The Sun-25Jan22

INSIDE

TELLING IT AS IT IS Barisan Nasional page Malaysian magician
the coalition debuts on
2 4page
to beat in Johor American TV

ON TUESDAY JANUARY 25, 2022 POMELO FOR PROSPERITY ... Fruit
trader Ali Amat, 38, arranges pomelos,
No. 7953 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my which are sold between RM10 and RM20
each, at his stall in Lebuh Pasar, Seremban, in
anticipation of brisk sales ahead of Chinese
New Year (CNY) next week. The fruit is
enjoyed during CNY as it symbolises
prosperity and good luck. – BERNAMAPIX

Too good to be true?
█ BY SURAYA ALI
[email protected] oOutstanding SPM results raise suspicion among The questions were in response to the
KUALA LUMPUR: As schoolchildren return to parents and academics outstanding results of the Sijil Pelajaran
classes after close to two years of home learning Malaysia 2020 exams and the high number of
(PdPR), misgivings about the state of education PhD students churned out by a local university.
in Malaysia is rising. This was the best performance in the SPM
exams in five years. A total of 9,411 candidates,
Stakeholders, namely parents and Collaborative Council president Datuk tell-tale signs that the reality is quite the or 2.46% of the total, achieved straight As. That
academics, are not convinced by assurances Mohamad Ali Hasan said it is time for the opposite of the rosy picture painted for them. was 535 more than the previous year.
from education authorities that all is well. government to pause and work to streamline According to Education
the education system. A mother worries about her nine-year-old Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Radzi
This has led to a call for the education son’s mastery, or lack thereof, of Bahasa Melayu Jidin, the national average grade Turn to
system to be overhauled to meet future needs. “There is too much stress on theory but too while an academic wonders why there is a rush
little on the practical aspect,” he said. to send students back to school if online —
National Parent-Teacher Association learning had been so effective. also improved to 4.80 compared page 3
For parents and academics, there already are with 4.86 in 2019.

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2 theSUN ON TUESDAY | JANUARY 25, 2022
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

BRIEFS PUTERI UMNO NOD Barisan Nasional the
FOR SEVERING OF TIES coalition to beat in Johor

KOTA BARU: About 25,000 Kelantan oStatepollswillbefightamongthe‘bigboys,’ BN,PH fellow Dr Jeniri Amir said that based on the
Puteri Umno members have supported and PN: Analysts Malacca and Sarawak state polls, BN has the
the decision by Kelantan Umno Liaison upper hand.
Committee chairman Datuk Ahmad █ BY RAJVINDER SINGH them won, and most of them lost their deposits.
Jazlan Yaakub to sever ties with PAS in [email protected] The PN-led government in Johor sought the In Sarawak, Gabungan Parti Sarawak,
the state. Its chief Marzuani Ardila PETALING JAYA: The Johor state election will aligned to BN, won by a landslide.
Ariffin said the decision was made be a fight among the “big boys” with Barisan consent of its ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan
without marginalising the rights and Nasional (BN) as the frontrunner. Iskandar to dissolve the state assembly after its Jeniri expects to see a repeat of what
interests of the people. “Whatever majority was whittled down to only one seat. happened in the two states.
happens, the door to negotiations is Based on current sentiments and the results
never closed. Discretion in assuring of the Nov 20 Malacca polls as well as the Dec 18 The Sultan consented to the dissolution on “People want a strong and stable
the wellbeing of the ummah will be Sarawak state election, analysts said the Johor Saturday, paving the way for snap polls for government, not a constant change of
used as a guide to achieving something polls are BN’s to lose. which the date has yet to be decided. administration as seen in recent years. This
better,” she said yesterday. – Bernama merry-go-round has hit the voters and economy
Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research Azmi said BN is the frontrunner in the Johor hard.”
PANEL TO ADDRESS senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan said that apart polls not because it is strong but because rivals
CLIMATE CHANGE from the “Big Three”, a few others will throw PN and PH are weak. In Johor, BN is so confident of victory that it
their hats into the ring this time. has again decided to abandon PAS, its partner in
SHAH ALAM: A special committee “But whether it will win big like it did in a separate alliance called Muafakat Nasional, as
comprising academicians and “For a start, there will not be too many Malacca is left to be seen.” it did in Malacca.
environmental non-governmental independent candidates. People would have
organisations will be set up to address learned from the Malacca experience that Azmi expects PH to pose a bigger challenge Johor Umno deputy chief Datuk Nur Jazlan
issues related to climate change in independents do not do well in elections,” he to BN. Mohamed said his party does not need to work
Selangor, said Mentri Besar Datuk Seri told theSun. with PAS in Johor.
Amirudin Shari. He said the committee, “PH knows better how to take down BN
to be led by state Environment He added that unless a candidate has the (having done so in 2018).” In any case, PAS did badly in Malacca, failing
Committee chairman Hee Loy Sian, backing of a party, he is most likely to even lose to win any of the eight seats it contested, Jeniri
would focus on disaster prevention his deposit. He said the component parties in PH, said, adding that the results of the Johor polls
and control efforts. “A report on the namely PKR, DAP and Parti Amanah Negara, could also determine the future direction of
disaster control by the National A total of 22 independents jostled with would have learned from the debacle in Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu).
Hydraulic Research Institute of candidates from Perikatan Nasional (PN), BN Malacca and would present a united front in
Malaysia, Japan International and Pakatan Harapan (PH) for the 28 seats in Johor. “Although Bersatu president Tan Sri
Cooperation Agency and Selangor has the Malacca state assembly last year. None of Muhyiddin Yassin is from Johor, his party is not
also been obtained,” he said “This will make a big difference now that strong in the state. How well it does will have a
after delivering a 2022 New Year’s they are no longer at loggerheads with one bearing on whether it will renew ties with PH in
message yesterday. – Bernama another.” the next general election.”

Umno eyes 42 seats Malaysian Council of Professors senior He said the Johor polls would be an acid test
in Johor polls for all three contesting coalitions, given that the
state usually reflects national sentiment.
KUALA LUMPUR: Umno is targeting to
contest at least 42 seats in the upcoming
Johor state election, said its deputy
president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. Fears of Orang Asli over tiger threats allayed
“We are looking at a minimum 42 out of
the 56 seats,” he said at the Kuala Lumpur
Court Complex yesterday. GUA MUSANG: The government has given “Security forces have also conducted up to Perhilitan to refer to the National
On Umno’s cooperation under Muafakat an assurance on the safety and welfare of the operations to maintain security in the Orang Security Council for further action.”
Nasional to face the state election, Orang Asli community here facing threats Asli settlements affected by tiger threats,
Mohamad said the matter would be from tigers since December, said Rural especially in Pos Bihai, which has an In Kota Baru, members of the Senoi Praaq
decided at a special supreme council Development Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir estimated 305 households. or 3rd Battalion of the General Operations
meeting soon. Khalid. Force from Bidor, Perak discovered new tiger
“The Johor Umno Liaison Committee He said various initiatives have been taken “Perhilitan has also set up seven traps, but footprints in Kampung Belatim, Gua Musang
chairman and state BN chairman is more by his ministry in cooperation with the Orang no animals have been caught so far,” he said on Thursday.
keen to go it alone. So we will discuss the Asli Development Department, Wildlife and after attending an event at the Kelantan
matter at the central committee level and National Parks Development Authority headquarters Its commanding officer Supt Azhar Hashim
decide at the special meeting.” Department yesterday. said his team was unable to track down the
The media reported on Sunday that (Perhilitan), tiger and believed that the animal was still
Johor BN planned to contest without the local leaders “It is understood that three tigers are roaming in the surrounding area.
cooperation of parties outside of the and roaming in the Pos Bihai administrative area,
coalition because it was confident of others. namely in Kampung Remau, Kampung Bujuk, It was reported previously that a rice
winning two-thirds of the 56 seats up for Kampung Bayor, Kampung Ten’rej, Kampung harvesting and river fishing celebration by
grabs. Salak, Kampung Badak, Kampung Sau and the Temiar Orang Asli community at
On a related development, Kampung Pahong. Kampung Sau in Pos Bihai turned into a
tragedy when a man was killed by a tiger on
“On evacuation of affected residents, it is Jan 7. – Bernama

Mohamad said the High Court’s PROUD MOMENT ... Nor Hidayu Abd Wahab with the Perak MB’s ‘mature’
decision yesterday to order Umno photograph and degree of her late husband Mohd Huzir politics lauded
president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Mohamed at the Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin Idul Ilmi
Hamidi to enter his defence on 47 convocation ceremony in Terengganu yesterday. IPOH: Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani
charges would not affect the party’s – BERNAMAPIX Mohamad’s presence to officiate at an event
chances of winning the state polls. at the Aulong Sports Arena, hosted by a DAP
“We are hoping for the best. elected representative on Sunday, was
What we are doing is for the described as a new political approach in
betterment of the party and the Perak, said state DAP vice-chairman Dr
country.” Abdul Aziz Bari.
He said Umno needs to
work harder to get the Abdul Aziz, who is also state Opposition
support of young Leader, said Saarani’s approach should be
voters following the commended, Bernama reported.
implementation of
Undi18. – “New and mature politics is crucial to
Bernama reducing unnecessary disputes. The welfare
of the people must be given priority.

“The mentri besar’s approach is not at
odds with the position and role of the
government and the Opposition, especially
in the context of Westminster democracy.”

It was reported that Saarani attended the
event at the invitation of Aulong
assemblyman Nga Kor Ming.

Saarani said that although there are
differences of opinion and views, he would
provide the same amount of allocation to
opposition reps for the people’s needs.

“Whoever becomes the mentri besar
must look after the welfare of all Perak
residents, and this is my responsibility.”

Saarani was commenting on state MCA
Youth chief Daniel Wa’s statement
questioning his and Nga’s presence on the
same stage, as if the mentri besar was not
respecting the Barisan Nasional spirit.

3theSUN ON TUESDAY | JANUARY 25, 2022
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Problems persists despite Bringing them up right
huge number of graduates

At the tertiary level, the the primary level. o Parenting styles today more demanding and likely or punish children when mistakes are
to heavily influence adult development of children made but those actions do not help
performance is equally “We need better teachers and children learn from their mistakes.
impressive. At one university, 398 infrastructure. Students also need Instead, it encourages them to portray a
students were awarded a PhD last help moving from one level to perfect image. We need to be okay with
year, almost equivalent to another,” he added. our children making mistakes.
some of the world’s top- Wan Hashima Hashim, 36, their environment.” Otherwise, they will be afraid to try
notch institutions. sent her son to a private █ BY SHIVANI SUPRAMANI She added that the biggest anything new. In time, they will not
All that despite the From kindergarten because he did [email protected] want to do anything at all.”
front challenge in raising children today
disruptions to classes page not qualify under the PETALING JAYA: Most parents would be time. Counselling psychologist
caused by the Covid-19 government pre-school would probably wish a child came Dr Gerard Louis, who is also dean at the
pandemic. programme. with a handbook or a manual to help “Looking back at my childhood, Faculty of Behavioural Sciences,
Mohamad Ali raised a “The medium of instruction at raise them. But the truth is, the my mother was a housewife and we Education and Languages at HELP
pertinent question: “Why is there the kindergarten was English so parents are the handbook. lived in a small town. With little University, said parenting styles have
a need to send students back to my son, who is aged nine now, has According to Valsala Krishnan technology, life was slower. It’s come a long way since his time as a
class if they had been doing well a hard time brushing up his (pix), founder of a leading different now. Raising children is a child. He noted that parents today have
under the PdPR system?” Bahasa Melayu,” she said. awareness training and to be ready when it comes to answering
“It is good to hear that “Now, he is classified as a slow consultancy company, if full-time career and on top questions from their children.
something is working out, but learner and he is very frustrated,” parents understand of that, parents have careers “The children of my generation did
how good are our students now? she added. themselves well, they too. We tend to live in stress not ask as many questions as children
He said he was not surprised University College Sedaya would be able to and rush most of the time. today. I believe it has a lot to do with
by the fact that girls did better International professor Dr Mohd understand their children. When we are tired, we are personal rights and understanding the
than boys. Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi said he “I apply the SIEP (spirit, not the best version of right to speak up and question what
“The system, based more on wonders if the standards had been intellect, emotions and ourselves and often, it is our they feel is valid.”
book learning, is tailored to the lowered to enable students to physical senses) way of family that is left with the He added that parenting styles also
needs of girls. Boys happen to be achieve higher scores. thinking to understand my tired and grumpy us,” she plays a crucial role in the holistic
more hands-on,” he said. Tajuddin told theSun that he subconscious programming,” the said, adding that the development of the child’s journey
Mohamad Ali also worries had called on the ministry to trim single mother of two told theSun. method of raising children towards adulthood. That includes how
about the state of tertiary the syllabus when the pandemic “In the simplest term, SIEP is to has since changed in many ways. the parents relate to the child through
education in Malaysia. He hit and home learning was take deep breaths to activate the She said when it comes to being a daily interactions, guidance and the
described it as puzzling that introduced. conscious mind and respond to parent, the most important factor in chosen method of discipline.
many local problems remain “Even if we trim it down by situations. As I do this, I understand raising a child would be having stable “The most commonly practised
unsolved despite the large 30%, it would still be sufficient to why I think in a certain way or why I mental health. here is the authoritarian style, where
number of professional and enter university if the student say and do certain things. I can see “If you can think, you can solve parents may be too protective. This isn’t
doctorate students churned does well enough. similarities in how my children think, any problems, including finances. exactly ideal because when no room for
out annually. “For those who don’t, remedial in what they say and do. But we often react and get emotional mistakes and improvement is given, it
“We have just had the floods courses can be introduced,” “The second factor is the without even realising it. Everyone will impact the child negatively in
and there are traffic problems. he said. environment children are exposed to. tends to react, but the difference is terms of confidence,” he said.
Where are our engineers and He added that in the Malaysian This includes the movies they watch, how big the trigger is and how “Parents who practise this style
experts? If we have so many education system, there has been the games they play, the people quickly they can snap out of it.” should know when to be an
well-qualified professionals, why too much emphasis on subjects taking care of them, friends and Given that making mistakes is a authoritarian and when to be an
is the unemployment rate that could yield economic relatives. If you get the first one part of growing up, Valsala said authoritative parent. Different
so high?” benefits, leaving many students (genes) wrong, here is your chance to parents should assure their children situations call for different parenting
He said improvements were unable to adapt to work outside correct your child’s subconscious that it is acceptable to make mistakes. styles. No one shoe fits all when it
needed and that should start from their areas of study. programming by changing And if they achieve something, it comes to parenting.”
should be rewarded with praise.
“It is a common reaction to scold

BRIEFS MEETING TO ADDRESS Sabah to monitor migrant workers Report destructive
PRICE HIKES activities at rivers,
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah involved would then be submitted due to data discrepancies between public urged
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister government will implement a to the federal and state the agencies and departments
Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob will special programme to collect data governments to find a solution to involved. Therefore, the TAPAH: The public should report
chair a National Action Council on on foreign workers and non- the decades-old issue. programme was also expected to to the relevant authorities if they
Cost of Living meeting soon to residents beginning next month to improve coordination to enable come across any destructive
get a clearer picture of price hike address the issue of illegal “If the issue is not managed follow-up action to be fishing activity at rivers using
issues from the relevant immigrants in the state, said well, other issues may arise in implemented properly. prohibited methods, said
ministries. In a post on Facebook, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri respect to security, social well- Agriculture and Food Industries
Ismail Sabri said the government Bung Moktar Radin. being, welfare, education, “We will conduct data collection Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad
was concerned about recent The Sabah Foreign National environment and many others,” he for all sectors to ensure not a single Hamzah.
hikes in the price of consumer Management Technical said after chairing a technical person is left out,” he said, adding
goods. “The government is Committee co-chairman said the committee meeting that was also that the plantation sector He said illegal fishing methods
committed to ensuring that price programme was important to attended by Deputy Home employed the most number of that use poison, bombs or
hikes of consumer goods are determine the exact number of Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Ismail foreigners in the state. electricity would damage the
dealt with quickly for the benefit foreign workers and immigrants in Mohamed Said at Menara ecosystem of marine life and
and well-being of families,” he the state. Kinabalu yesterday. According to the statement, fishery resources in rivers.
said. A Malay daily reported that He added that all information, after the programme ends, there
the Malay Chamber of Commerce including biometric data of those Bung Moktar said it was will be a crackdown against illegal “The Fisheries Department also
had forecast unusual price hikes currently difficult to determine the foreign workers through integrated has a monitoring team that
of all consumer goods after the number of foreigners in the state operations. – Bernama conducts periodic patrols and at
Chinese New Year celebrations least, their presence would scare off
next month. In the report, FESTIVE WORK ... Craftsman Ng Swee Hian putting the finishing touches to a ‘Year of the Tiger’ themed display unscrupulous fishermen,” he said
chamber president Abd Halim prop at his workshop in Klang yesterday. – ASYRAF RASID/THESUN at an event to release about 10,000
Husin said the price hikes were lampam and terbul fish fry into
driven by an increase of more Sungai Batang Padang in Kampung
than double the cost of Dusun Muda yesterday.
transportation after the floods in
the Klang Valley in December. Ahmad said the Perak Fisheries
– Bernama Department would release five
million fry of various freshwater
PENANG CM IN species in stages into several rivers
QUARANTINE in the state.

GEORGE TOWN: Penang Chief He added that it was part of
Minister Chow Kon Yeow is measures taken by the government
currently undergoing quarantine to replenish the declining
after coming into close contact population of freshwater fish as it
with a Covid-19 positive was a source of livelihood for inland
individual while attending an fishermen.
event on Saturday. According to a
statement issued by the Penang “Due to unavoidable
Chief Minister’s Office, Chow was circumstances, the freshwater fish
required to undergo self- population is in decline, in addition
quarantine for five days, starting to the presence of invasive fish
on Sunday, as directed by the species in rivers.”
state Health Department. “Chow
was also asked to undergo a He said every year, about two
reverse transcription-polymerase million fish fry of various species
chain reaction test on the third worth almost RM500,000 are
day, and this includes several released into state rivers, with a
related individuals who have also portion of the fry being cultured by
been identified as close contacts.” the Fisheries Department.
– Bernama – Bernama

4 theSUN ON TUESDAY | JANUARY 25, 2022
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Malaysian casts spell on US viewers

o Magician leaves judges of ‘Go-Big Show’ Lee said before the invitation to be part of Cruise Lines after travel restrictions were lifted.
in awe with his nerve-wracking blindfolded 20 competitors on the talent show, he had to “Sometimes, the most fearsome thing is not
knife-throwing performance perform his shows online as the Covid-19
pandemic had caused all in-person shows to the lack of opportunities but our willingness to
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s top-rated judges on the TBS be cancelled, Bernama reported. take a chance and put ourselves out there. Don’t
magician Andrew Lee (pix) made his first network Go-Big Show worry about the people who criticise you,
appearance on American television on Jan 13 alongside actress Rosario “I’m happy to say that I’ve done over 650 choose to focus on your own hopes rather than
when he performed a nerve-wracking Dawson and wrestler shows via Zoom and also conducted virtual your fears,” said Cindy Teh, who has been his
blindfolded knife-throwing show in an episode Cory Rhodes. performances to cheer up home bound staff manager and show partner for six years.
on the second season of the Go-Big Show. of many international corporate clients.
Lee’s performance will put him on stage for Lee already has bookings lined up through
Lee aced the knife-throw onto a board hung the next round of the talent show as he has been “With online performances, I can now next year on cruise ships sailing the coasts of the
from the neck of American rapper T-Pain with ranked higher by all judges against his fellow have the best of both worlds by doing shows US, Alaska, Mexico, South America and Asia.
the aid of American singer Nettles, who are competitor Joe White’s axe-throw act. both in person and connecting virtually
anywhere with my mobile studio,” he said.
Lee is thrilled that audiences see him as a
Malaysian talent of international standard
during his performances on cruise ships
operated by Viking Cruises and Norwegian

Totalconfirmed
cases

2,836,159

LETHAL Totalactive Newcases
WEAPON ... cases
Perak police 3,214
chief Datuk 45,120
Faridalathrash
Wahid (second Currentrecovery Totalcraesceosveries
from left) rate
showing a gun
seized during a 97.17% 2,755,933
drug raid.
– BERNAMAPIX Deathtoll Brought-in-Dead

31,892 6,428

PERLIS 4

KEDAH 395

Terengganu bypass 10,000 Indonesian maids to be PENANG 222
to open in April hired after MoU signing next month
PERAK 120
KUALA TERENGGANU: The Kuala Terengganu JAKARTA: Malaysia and Indonesia have monitored by a special committee comprising SELANGOR 816
(KT) Bypass is expected to be completed ahead agreed to implement a pilot project on the representatives from both countries.
of schedule, and will open to road users in April. recruitment of 10,000 domestic helpers from K. LUMPUR 249
the neighbouring country as early as next The MoU will include key issues such as PUTRAJAYA 32
Senior Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah month. the One Maid One House, One Channel
Yusof said the bypass project, costing RM220 System and salary policies. PAHANG 184
million, was originally expected to be Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri
completed in September, but its progress so far M. Saravanan said the pilot project is expected The One Maid One House policy will MALACCA xxx
has reached almost 92%. to start a week after a memorandum of replace the proposed One Maid One Task rule, N.SEMBILAN 238
understanding (MoU) on the recruitment and where one maid would work in a household of
“In a briefing, the contractors gave their placement of Indonesian domestic helpers is not more than six people. JOHOR 450
commitment to complete the project ahead of signed on Feb 7 and 8 in Bali. KELANTAN 231
schedule with a target of completion this April. The One Channel System will be the sole
“Malaysia in principle has agreed to channel for the entry of Indonesian domestic TERENGGANU 66
“Hopefully, there will be no more problems introduce various measures to champion the helpers into Malaysia.
and KT Bypass will be opened to the public,” he plight of foreign workers, especially from LABUAN 2
told reporters after inspecting the construction Indonesia,” he told reporters yesterday after a Issues regarding the cost structure of SABAH 118
of the Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) meeting with his Indonesian counterpart Ida recruitment will be reviewed every six months
Teaching Hospital in Gong Badak and the Fauziyah here. to ensure that it is in line with current SARAWAK 7
KT Bypass project here yesterday. developments, taking into account, among
Saravanan said the pilot project will be others, airfares and quarantine costs. PROGRESS STATISTICS FOR THE NATIONAL
He said the KT Bypass project, which started – Bernama COVID-19 IMMUNISATION PROGRAMME
in 2016, was delayed due to several technical
problems such as the land acquisition process Three killed, four hurt in road collision As of January 24
and the implementation of the movement
control order due to the Covid-19 pandemic. KUANTAN: Three people were killed while the other car, Bernama reported. Received second dose
four others were injured in a traffic collision Kamarulzaman said Azura’s husband
Fadillah said the project would benefit more involving two cars at Jalan Kuantan-Maran 26,057,672 25,696,249
than 70,000 residents, especially in the Bandar near Batu 3 in Tanah Putih on Sunday. Mohd Fairus Md Yusof, 40, and their three
Baru Bukit Besar area. children Mohamad Al Hafiz Ikram, 11; Nurul
Pahang Traffic Investigation and Al Aziana Ashikin, 10; and Mohamad Al Alif
He added that the new four-lane bypass, Enforcement Department chief Supt Ikmal, nine, who suffered injuries to the head,
from Tok Molor junction in Kuala Ibai and Kamarulzaman Jusoh yesterday said the crash legs and hands, were sent to the Tengku
ending at Kampung Durian Burung, would occurred at about 11.30pm. Ampuan Afzan Hospital for treatment.
reduce congestion in the city centre and speed
up the journey of road users from Kuantan in He said the driver of one of the cars, He said preliminary investigations found
Pahang to Kota Baru in Kelantan. Adzarul Fadzlie Ahmad Roki, 33, was burnt to that the incident occurred when Adzarul
death after his car burst into flames. Fadzlie, who was driving alone from Gambang
Meanwhile, Fadillah said the construction of towards Kuantan, lost control of his car before
the UniSZA Teaching Hospital, costing RM281 The other two victims were Azura Iskandar crashing into the vehicle driven by Mohd
million, was fully completed on Dec 11 last year, Mohamad, 32, and her five-year-old daughter Fairus, which was on the left lane.
adding that his ministry is expected to hand Nur Izara Al Aishah Mohd Fairus, who were in
over the hospital to the Higher Education
Ministry. The hospital would offer its services to
the public in stages starting in April.
– Bernama

5theSUN ON TUESDAY | JANUARY 25, 2022
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Najib to engage Sekolah Kita pupils
Queen’s Counsel having snacks
for SRC appeal during recess.

PUTRAJAYA: Former prime Gift of education for available when there is an injection
minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul unprivileged pupils of new funds,” Cheah said.
Razak will apply for Queen’s
Counsel from the United Kingdom o Spurred by success of maiden project Divers did not set itself ambitious Once school is over, the children
to argue his appeal to quash to feed poor rural children, NGO progresses goals when it started out in the Suluk are back at work, scouring rubbish
his conviction of a 12-year jail to set up school for Suluk community community. “Our aim was only to dumps for recyclable items to sell.
sentence and RM210 million fine help the children achieve a basic Cheah said each child can make
for the SRC International Sdn Bhd █ BY SURAYA ALI By 9am, they are on their way level of literacy,” Cheah told theSun. RM3 to RM5 a day, which helps in
case at the Federal Court. [email protected] home, where several tasks await the family’s daily expenses.
KUALA LUMPUR: Waking up at them. “We try to teach them the ABC,
Deputy public prosecutor dawn to get ready for school is one how to write their names and such.” One volunteer who is an
Mohd Ashrof Andrin Kamarul said of the most dreaded routines for All households in the Suluk inspiration to the children at Sekolah
Najib’s lead counsel Tan Sri many schoolchildren. community are stricken by a Once they have mastered the Kita is Munirah Daniella from Klang.
Muhammad Shafee Abdullah common “ailment” – poverty. basics, the children are taught
informed Federal Court Registrar In fact, many even question why According to social activist and more complicated skills such as Barely 13, she has won the hearts
Siti Hajar Mustaffa during online they have to be in school every day. volunteer at NG Divers Kembara stringing sentences together, general of the Suluk children, partly because
proceedings yesterday. William Cheah, children are expected knowledge and basic math. she has gone through the same
On the other hand, the Suluk to also help make ends meet. NG challenges in life, the biggest of
“The defence will write a letter to children of Semporna in Sabah are Divers is a non-governmental “Apart from that, we also teach which is poverty.
the Federal Court by tomorrow eager to be in the classroom at the organisation that started a project to them hygiene and basic self-care.
(today) on their intention to apply break of day. feed hungry children at a stall set up They learn to brush their teeth, have By the age of six, she and her elder
for a Queen’s Counsel from the UK in the Suluk community. It then their wounds examined and are sister were working at a restaurant to
to attend and argue on Najib’s Unlike their more privileged moved on to provide basic given a free meal every time they help make ends meet for her family.
appeal. The court has fixed Jan 28 peers, for whom school starts at 7am healthcare, followed by education, attend school,” he added.
for the next case management to and the dismissal bell does not ring setting up Sekolah Kita. But Munirah, affectionately
determine the next step for the until 2pm, a day in the classroom Classes are small, with a known as Irah to her friends, was
appeal,” he told reporters. lasts barely two hours for them. Given the circumstances, NG maximum of only 15 pupils each. lucky enough to get a big break.

The Queen’s Counsel Once a month, the children are She was recruited as a volunteer
appointment will be on an ad hoc taken to NG Divers’ community hub by NG Divers and began helping to
basis after admission is obtained and are taught practical skills such feed underprivileged women and
from the Malaysian court. as sewing, cooking and even children in Klang.
snorkelling.
The court also fixed March 15 Later, she was chosen to join
and March 16 to hear Najib’s appeal “However, such classes are only Cheah and two others on a trip to
to adduce new evidence. Semporna. She fell in love with
the Sekolah Kita project and opted
On Dec 7 last year, the Court to stay.
of Appeal dismissed Najib’s
application to adduce new evidence Irah enrolled as a Form One
in his appeal by ruling that Najib student in Sekolah Kita, and in her
had failed to cumulatively satisfy spare time helps the other children
Section 61 of the Courts of with their school work, and also
Judicature Act that fresh evidence teaches them Mandarin.
was required for justice in the case.
She is also a great cook and plans
The next day, the same court to teach when she finishes school.
upheld the conviction and 12-year
jail term and RM210 million fine MP’s kin and former staff Zahid accepts court decision
on Najib for misappropriating charged with graft to enter defence
RM42 million in SRC funds.
– Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: A nephew of RM20,000 from Mono Miah through KUALA LUMPUR: Former after finding that the prosecution
Sungai Buloh MP R. Sivarasa and his Kam on the same matter. deputy prime minister Datuk had established a prima facie
Hearing to former worker were yesterday Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said case against Ahmad Zahid, 69, on
recuse judge charged in a sessions court here with The offences were allegedly he accepted the decision of the 12 CBT charges, eight counts of
postponed three counts of corruption each in committed at two restaurants in High Court yesterday, ordering bribery charges and 27 for
relation to the recruitment of foreign Cheras and Kuala Lumpur between him to enter his defence on money laundering involving tens
KUALA LUMPUR: The hearing of workers five years ago. 1pm and 10pm, on Sept 17 and 21, 47 criminal breach of trust of millions of ringgit belonging to
Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor’s 2017. The charges were framed under (CBT), corruption and money the foundation, which is owned
application to recuse High Court R. Naveen Kularasa, 50, who is also Section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian laundering charges involving by Ahmad Zahid.
Judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan Sivarasa’s personal assistant, and his Anti-Corruption Commission Act Yayasan Akalbudi funds.
from presiding over her money former worker Nico Kam Joo Hoe, 24, 2009, read together with Section 34 The court set aside 39 days to
laundering and tax evasion trial has pleaded not guilty to the charges, of the same Act, which provides a “My defence team will take hear the defence’s case, namely
been postponed to Feb 3 after her which were read out before judge maximum jail term of 20 years and a heed of the court’s order. The April 26 to April 28, May 23 to
lead counsel, Datuk Geethan Ram Azura Alwi. fine of not less than five times the dates (for the trial) have also May 26, June 27 to June 30, July 4
Vincent, confirmed he had amount of the bribe or RM10,000, or been set and, of course, we to July 7, Aug 22, 23, 29, 30, Sept
contracted Covid-19. On the first charge, they are jointly whichever is higher, upon conviction. accept it in line with our legal 19 to Sept 22, Sept 26 to Sept 29,
accused of asking for a RM55,000 system,” he told reporters after Oct 17 to Oct 20 and Oct 31, Nov
Mohamed Zaini set the new date bribe from Bangladeshi Mono Deputy public prosecutor Noralis the court’s decision on his case. 1 to Nov 3, Nov 7 to Nov 10.
after Rosmah’s lawyer, Azrul Zulkifli Miah Siddikur Rahman as an Mat Rasyidah Azmi Kalai suggested
Stork, informed the court that inducement for not reporting him to bail of RM10,000 in one surety each Ahmad Zahid arrived at the The Bagan Datuk MP, who is
Geethan had tested positive for the Immigration Department on but Kam, who was unrepresented, Kuala Lumpur Court Complex at also Umno president, served as
Covid-19 on Jan 17 and was ordered his company Syarikat Dyna appealed for a lower bail on the 9.03am and was seen leaving at deputy prime minister from 2015
to undergo self-quarantine for 10 Maintainance Services Sdn Bhd’s grounds that he had just found a job 10.45am. to 2018. He opted to testify
days until Jan 26. alleged offence of bringing in as a van driver with a monthly salary under oath from the witness
foreign workers for labour work. of RM2,200. Almost 100 of his supporters stand, with the prosecution
According to Azrul, Rosmah, the were seen gathered at the court given the opportunity to
wife of Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak, For the second and third charges, The court allowed each accused complex since 7.30am. question the accused during
was also undergoing quarantine the two are alleged to have agreed bail of RM10,000 in one surety and cross-examination. – Bernama
until Jan 25 as she had been in close to accept cash of RM45,000 and set Feb 24 for mention. – Bernama Judge Datuk Collin Lawrence
contact with her lead counsel. Sequerah made the decision

“Also in close contact with
Geethan are other lawyers (in the
team), namely Datuk Firoz Hussein
Ahmad Jamaluddin, who is
undergoing self-quarantine in Kota
Kinabalu, Sabah until Jan 25, while
lawyers Reza Rahim and P. B.
Rajivan Nambiar are under
quarantined until Jan 24.

“Therefore, we apply for today’s
proceedings to be vacated,” said
Azrul at the proceedings that was
scheduled to hear the defence’s
application to recuse Mohamed
Zaini as judge.

Azrul said a letter on the
application to vacate the hearing
was submitted to the court on Jan
20. – Bernama

6 theSUN ON TUESDAY | JANUARY 25, 2022 FOLLOW ON TELEGRAM SCAN
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS ME
/thesuntelegram
IRAN RULES OUT RELEASE
BRIEFS OF U.S. PRISONERS Nato sends ships and jets
to eastern Europe
TEHRAN: Iran yesterday ruled out any
US preconditions for reviving a 2015 o US says families including by reinforcing the eastern part of the Washington said those demands are
nuclear deal, including the release of of American diplomats alliance.” non-starters but it is ready to discuss other ideas
American prisoners held by the must leave Ukraine on arms control, missile deployments and
republic. “Iran has never accepted any Britain said it was withdrawing some staff confidence-building measures.
preconditions by the United States. The BRUSSELS: Nato said yesterday it was putting and dependants from its embassy in Ukraine in
US official’s comments on the release of forces on standby and reinforcing eastern response to “a growing threat from Russia”, a day The United States and the European Union
US prisoners in Iran is for domestic use,” Europe with more ships and fighter jets in after the United States said it was ordering have warned Russia not to invade Ukraine.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman response to Russia’s military build-up at diplomats’ family members to leave.
Saeed Khatibzadeh said. The lead US Ukraine’s borders. Denmark said the EU was ready to impose
nuclear negotiator said on Sunday the “Military action by Russia could come at any “never-seen-before” economic sanctions and
United States was unlikely to strike an The move added to a flurry of signals that the time,” the US Embassy said in a statement. EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels said
agreement with Iran to revive the West is bracing for an aggressive Russian move they would send a unified warning to Moscow.
nuclear pact unless Tehran released against Ukraine, though Moscow denies any Officials “will not be in a position to evacuate
four American citizens Washington plan to invade. American citizens in such a contingency, so US An estimated 100,000 Russian troops remain
claimed it is holding hostage. – Reuters citizens currently present in Ukraine should poised within reach of the Ukrainian border.
“I welcome allies contributing additional plan accordingly”.
UK GOVT ORDERS PROBE forces to Nato,” the Western military alliance’s Russia is awaiting a written response to its
INTO EX-MINISTER’S CLAIMS Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said in a US diplomats at the embassy in Kyiv were demands this week.
statement. being allowed to leave voluntarily.
LONDON: British Prime Minister Boris Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry said it considered
Johnson has ordered an inquiry into “Nato will continue to take all necessary The tensions over Ukraine have contributed the US embassy move as “premature and a
claims by a Muslim former minister that measures to protect and defend all allies, to a rise in oil, with the latest Russia-US talks on manifestation of excessive caution.”
she was sacked from his government Friday failing to produce any big breakthrough.
because of her faith. “The prime “In fact, there have been no cardinal changes
minister has asked the Cabinet Office to Russia is demanding that Nato withdraw a in the security situation recently: the threat of
conduct an inquiry into the allegations promise to let Ukraine join one day, and that the new waves of Russian aggression has remained
made by Nusrat Ghani,” a spokesman alliance pull back troops and weaponry from constant since 2014 and the buildup of Russian
said yesterday. Johnson had initially former Communist countries in eastern Europe troops near the state border began in April last
urged the former junior transport that joined it after the Cold War. year,” it said. – Reuters
minister to file a formal complaint
through the Conservative party. But
she declined, arguing that the
allegation centred on government
rather than party work. – AFP

Taliban, Western officials hold talks in Oslo Tonga eruption
equivalent to
OSLO: In their first visit to Europe since The closed-door discussions, facilitated by the Taliban regarding our concerns and our hundreds of
returning to power, the Taliban began landmark Norway, are being held at the Soria Moria abiding interest in a stable, rights-respecting Hiroshimas: Nasa
talks with Western diplomats here yesterday to Hotel, on a snowy hilltop outside Oslo. and inclusive Afghanistan,” tweeted US special
discuss the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. representative for Afghanistan Thomas West. NUKU’ALOFA: The Tonga volcanic eruption
Afghanistan’s humanitarian situation has unleashed explosive forces that dwarfed the
However, the international community has deteriorated drastically since last August when Norway said the talks, which have been power of the Hiroshima atomic bomb, Nasa
insisted the Taliban must respect human the movement stormed back to power. criticised by some experts and members of the scientists said, as survivors yesterday described
rights before aid can resume to the country. Afghan diaspora, would “not represent a how the devastating Pacific blast “messed up
International aid came to a halt, worsening legitimisation or recognition of the Taliban”. our brains”.
The Taliban delegation, headed by Foreign the plight of millions of people already
Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, held talks with suffering from hunger after several droughts. The Taliban hope the talks will help The Nasa Earth Observatory said the Hunga
representatives of the United States, France, “transform the atmosphere of war into a Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano spewed debris as
Britain, Germany, Italy, the European Union “As we seek to address humanitarian crisis peaceful situation”, said government high as 40km into the atmosphere during the
and Norway. together with allies, partners, and relief orgs, spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. – AFP Jan 15 eruption that triggered huge tsunami
we will continue clear-eyed diplomacy with waves.

A man crossing a street littered with “We think the amount of energy released by
burning barricades set up by the eruption was equivalent to somewhere
supporters of the mutinous troops in between five to 30 million tonnes of TNT,” Nasa
Ouagadougou on Sunday. – AFPPIX scientist Jim Garvin said in a press release.

Burkina Faso president arrested by soldiers Nasa said the eruption was hundreds of
times stronger than the US atomic bomb
OUAGADOUGOU: Mutinous troops in restive Kabore’s private residence in the capital Sunday, making it difficult to verify rumours of dropped on the Japanese city of Hiroshima in
Burkina Faso arrested President Roch Marc Ouagadougou, and witnesses reported seeing a coup in progress. August 1945, which was estimated to be about
Christian Kabore yesterday and detained him a helicopter above it. 15,000 tonnes of TNT.
in army barracks a day after staging an A group of protesters supporting the
uprising, security sources said. “President Kabore, the head of parliament soldiers set up makeshift roadblocks on The agency said the eruption “obliterated”
and the ministers are effectively in the hands several main streets in the capital before being the volcanic island 65km north of the Tongan
Soldiers at several army bases across the of the soldiers” at the Sangoule Lamizana dispersed by police. capital Nuku’alofa.
West African country rebelled on Sunday, barracks in the capital Ouagadougou, a
demanding the sacking of the military top security source said, with another source Kabore, first elected in 2015 before winning It blanketed the island kingdom of about
brass and more resources to fight a bloody confirming the arrest. re-election five years later on campaign vows 100,000 in a layer of toxic ash, poisoning
insurgency. he would prioritise the fight against the drinking water, destroying crops and completely
The situation was tense and confused in the insurgency, has faced rising public anger wiping out at least two villages.
Later in the day, gunshots were heard near capital, where mobile internet had been cut on about the failure to stop the bloodshed. – AFP
It also claimed at least three lives in Tonga
and resulted in the drowning deaths of two
beachgoers in Peru after freak waves hit the
South American country.

Peruvian authorities have declared an
environmental disaster after the waves hit an oil
tanker offloading near Lima, creating a huge
slick along the coast.

In Tonga, the scale of destruction remains
unclear after communications to remote islands
were knocked out.

Nuku’alofa-based journalist Mary Lyn Fonua
said locals were still coming to terms with the
scale of the disaster.

“It’s so beyond what anyone here has ever
experienced. The shockwave from the eruption
just messed up our brains, we’re just starting to
return to normal now.”

Fonua said the coating of fine grey grime
covering everything was proving difficult to live
with and raising concerns about long-term
health issues.

“It gets everywhere. It irritates your eyes, you
get sores in the corner of your mouth, everyone
has blackened fingernails – we look like a
grubby lot.” – AFP

7theSUN ON TUESDAY | JANUARY 25, 2022

NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Presidential candidate’s wife BRIEFS CHINA WARNS OF
threatens to jail reporters HEAVY AIR POLLUTION

SEOUL: A South Korean opposition o Would-be South Korean first lady says can result in reporters facing jail BEIJING: China warned yesterday
party was struggling yesterday to critical media outlets likely to be prosecuted time over their work. that heavy air pollution is likely
contain the fallout after the wife of its during the Winter Olympics in the
presidential candidate threatened to Keon-hee, referring to the survivors only speak out if they are South Korea is 42nd in the World capital, but said emergency plans
“jail all reporters” who criticised her presidential office, in the latest not paid enough. Press Freedom Index compiled by were in place to ensure the Games
husband. comments. Reporters Without Borders. are not disrupted by smog. “The
“Conservatives make sure to pay. Beijing Winter Olympic and
It is the second scandal to hit She said critical media outlets “That’s why we don’t see #MeToo In a poll by the Korea Economic Paralympic Games coincide with
People Power Party candidate Yoon would likely be prosecuted under happening here. #MeToo cases Daily released yesterday, more than the end of winter and the start of
Suk-yeol since taped recordings and her husband’s future administration. happen when you don’t pay your half of respondents said that the spring in northern China, when
court transcripts of his wife speaking dues.” comments by Yoon’s wife would weather conditions are extremely
to a journalist became public last “Police will charge them whether Yoon’s campaign manager said negatively affect his approval. unfavourable,” said Environment
week. we order them to or not,” she told a yesterday the party was “trying to Ministry spokesman Liu Youbin
journalist in recorded comments. find the best way forward” after the The party had lodged multiple yesterday. “When heavy pollution
Yoon is locked in a tight race with would-be first lady’s most recent injunctions in a bid to keep the is predicted, all localities will
Democratic Party candidate Lee Last Tuesday, Yoon’s party was remarks were made public. recordings out of the public domain, launch emergency plans.” These
Jae-myung ahead of the March forced to distance itself from remarks Kim’s comments have touched a but all were rejected by the courts. include cutting production at
presidential election, with recent in which Kim expressed strong raw nerve in South Korea, a robust polluting companies with a
polls falling within the margin for support for a former politician now democracy where strong libel laws The comments by a woman who relatively small economic impact
error. jailed for rape. could become the country’s next first in the host cities of Beijing and
lady “reflect her views and thus are Zhangjiakou, Liu said. – AFP
“If I make it to the Blue House, I She suggested sexual assault subject to public interest and
will put them all in jail,” said Kim inspection”, the Seoul Central REBELS FIRE MISSILES
District Court ruled last week. – AFP AT UAE, SAUDI ARABIA

SANAA: Yemen rebels fired
missiles at the United Arab
Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia,
with coalition forces hitting back
by blowing up the insurgents’
launchpad as a sharp escalation of
hostilities entered a second week
yesterday. Witnesses saw bright
flashes arcing over the Emirati
capital Abu Dhabi early yesterday
as two ballistic missiles were
intercepted, scattering debris.
Nobody was hurt in the attack.
Separately, missiles were fired on
Saudi Arabia in southern regions
bordering Yemen, with two
people wounded in Jazan, and
another missile intercepted over
Dhahran al-Janub. The UAE said an
F-16 fighter jet destroyed a Huthi
missile launcher in Al-Jawf in
northern Yemen. – AFP

WINTER FUN ... Residents Aussie premier
wearing traditional attire skiing on loses control of
‘ice chairs’ in the Chinese city of WeChat account
Shenyang. – AFPPIX
CANBERRA: Australian Prime
Taiwan reports large-scale Chinese air force incursion Minister Scott Morrison’s WeChat
account has disappeared, prompting
TAIPEI: China sent 39 planes – biggest single day ocurring on Oct 4, fighters – which experts said are USS Abraham Lincoln, participated accusations of Chinese “interference”
mostly fighter jets – into Taiwan’s air when 56 Chinese warplanes entered among China’s favourite jets for in exercises with Japan from Jan 17 to from senior members of his
defence zone on Sunday, in the the zone. testing Taiwan’s air defences – 10 22 “for effective deterrence and government yesterday.
second-largest daily incursion on J-10 fighters and one nuclear- response”, Japan’s Maritime
record. The island’s Defence Ministry capable H-6 bomber. Self-Defence Force tweeted. But Tencent, the Chinese tech
said on Sunday it saw 39 warplanes giant that owns WeChat, has denied
Taiwan lives under the constant from China enter Taiwan’s ADIZ – It remains unclear why China Taiwan only started regularly that the prime minister’s account was
threat of invasion by China, which the second-largest number of launched such a large single-day publicising its data on air incursions hacked or removed from its platform.
sees the self-ruled, democratic incursions on record, which is mission. in September 2020.
island as part of its territory to shared with one on Oct 2 last year. “Based on our information, this
eventually be reclaimed, by force if But the incursions come on the October remains the busiest appears to be a dispute over account
necessary. The ministry said it scrambled its heels of the United States and Japan month on record, with 196 incursions. ownership – the account in question
own aircraft to broadcast warnings carrying out naval exercises in the was originally registered by a PRC
The final quarter of last year saw a on Sunday and deployed air defence Philippine Sea, an area that includes The defence zone is not the same individual and was subsequently
massive spike of incursions from missile systems to track the jets that waters just east of Taiwan. as Taiwan’s territorial airspace but transferred to its current operator, a
China into Taiwan’s air defence entered its zone. includes a far greater area that technology services company,” a
identification zone (ADIZ), with the Ten US Navy ships, including overlaps with part of China’s own Tencent spokesman said.
The warplanes included 24 J-16 aircraft carriers USS Carl Vinson and ADIZ. – AFP
Morrison’s account on the app,
Man pleads guilty to abducting four-year-old which was launched in February 2019
to communicate with Australia’s
CANBERRA: A man on trial for operation that many feared would Other charges have been details of Cleo’s kidnapping are sizable Chinese community, appears
abducting a four-year-old girl from a end in tragedy. adjourned, including a new charge expected to be revealed. to have been replaced with one titled
remote Australian campsite of assaulting a police officer. “Australian Chinese new life”.
confessed to her kidnapping But the little girl was found 18 He is alleged to have acted alone
yesterday, a surprise development in days later alone inside a locked When the single charge was and police said he does not have any The name was registered by
the case that garnered worldwide house in the coastal town of levelled at him, Kelly simply said: connection to the family. Fuzhou 985 Technology Co Ltd on
attention. Carnarvon, a short drive from where “Guilty.” Oct 28 last year.
she went missing. The case made headlines around
Cleo Smith disappeared from her Kelly, 36, was remanded in the world and prompted widespread However the account has posts
family’s tent in Western Australia in Terence Darrell Kelly pleaded custody until his next court relief when Cleo was discovered. dating back to Feb 1, 2019, including
October, sparking a major search guilty to child stealing yesterday via appearance in March, when a date Morrison’s first, which reads: “I’m
video link from prison. may be set for his sentencing and Police swiftly detained Kelly on a very happy to open my official
nearby street. – AFP WeChat account”.

Fuzhuo 985’s legal representative
Huang Aipeng told SBS yesterday that
the purchase of the account was legal.

There was no comment from
Morrison but a senator from his
ruling Liberal Party accused Beijing
of being behind the change.

“What the Chinese government
has done by shutting down the prime
minister’s account is effectively
foreign interference in our
democracy,” James Paterson said.

He called on Australian politicians
to boycott WeChat in response.

Immigration Minister Alex Hawke
and lawmaker Gladys Liu have joined
the boycott. – AFP

8 theSUN ON TUESDAY | JANUARY 25, 2022
SPEAK UP

COMMENT byYSChan I shelved my anti-romance
book snobbery
Good time for CVLB
to lift taxi restrictions █ BY NDÉLA FAYE TikTok. I felt intrigued, so
SABAH Commercial Vehicle AFTER the birth of my decided to put my prejudices
Licensing Board (CVLB) While it was necessary to allow taxis to operate in children, my brain felt frazzled. aside.
chairman Chin Kim Hiung designated areas decades ago, it is now an opportune I no longer had the attention
disclosed that the board had time for CVLB to lift taxi restrictions on territories span to focus on reading the After reading the first few
written to the Kota Kinabalu words and thoughts of my all- chapters, I felt like I had come
International Airport (KKIA) Any private vehicle parked near the Act 1987 passed in parliament in July time favourite authors, like home. It was like being hugged
management on Dec 23 to propose a airport taxi queue would be seen as a 2017, e-hailing service has been Maya Angelou and Toni by an old friend.
designated site for e-hailing drivers to threat by taxi drivers. legitimised and may operate alongside Morrison.
wait for customers at the international taxis. I was filled with a warmth I
airport. Their emotional state is such that My book purchases were hadn’t felt in years. And what’s
they could easily mistake private cars, Today, the number of e-hailing largely led by my snobbery. As I more, I couldn’t stop turning
This would allow e-hailing drivers especially those company-owned, vehicles is much larger than taxis due kept buying more of them and the pages and I devoured book
to drop off or pick up passengers who picking up non-family members as e- to its popularity with both the adding to my ever-increasing after book.
have earlier booked their transport hailing vehicles. passengers and drivers. (and unrealistically large) pile
service in a more orderly manner. of books that I would likely I thought romance novels
If the new spot designated for e- Apart from lower rates for e-hailing never read, I never stopped to would be filled with quivering
The aim is to minimise traffic hailing vehicles is away from the taxi services, passengers do not have to think about why I was doing it. lips, damsels in distress and
congestion, reduce waiting time, queue, there will still be mayhem if e- haggle over fares and destinations, and engorged members, with an
provide convenience for travellers and hailing vehicles without prior bookings drivers must also be on their best I wasn’t buying books to undercurrent of sexism.
enhance first impressions of the state. are allowed to wait there because it will behaviour. enjoy them. They didn’t bring
be overcrowded since drivers will do me happiness. I mean, they can be, but they
However, the move did not go down what they can to improve their chances Although e-hailing drivers could are about much more than that
well with KKIA Limousine and Taxi of getting a booking. face suspension from complaints Instead, the unread books too. I thought that I, as a black
Association president Shamsuddin lodged against them, the rewards are on my nightstand served as a woman, would rarely find
Mohd Shah, who called for Chew’s Although a good system is worth the risk as they get to run more constant reminder of my myself in the pages.
resignation. necessary, enforcement is still the key. trips and earn a higher income. procrastinatory nature, and
how much of the old, book- I thought there would rarely
He claimed that CVLB had failed to Thirdly, city taxi operators have Furthermore, there is no need to loving me I had lost. be an occasion where I could
enforce the 2018 ban on e-hailing applied to CVLB for permission to pick own a taxi permit or pay for renting one relate to the characters and
vehicles from waiting for passengers at up passengers from various airports in when operating an e-hailing service. The more energy I put into storylines.
KKIA. the state. thinking about the kinds of
Many hardworking airport and city books I was buying, the more However, the romance
The issue will remain a hot potato This was vehemently opposed by taxi drivers have switched to driving e- unlikely I was to actually pick novels I’ve read so far have
for as long as confusion reigns. the KKIA Limousine and Taxi hailing vehicles instead of spending one up and read. touched on important themes
Association, but CVLB would study the long hours at the airport or city waiting such as racism, homophobia,
Firstly, enforcements could only be application in detail before making a for passengers. I had lost my passion for sexism, sexual harassment and
carried out by agencies with ruling. reading because it was driven female solidarity and
enforcement officers, such as the But the stubborn few continue to by my ego. empowerment, which took me
police and Road Transport Reaching a decision would be cling on and are hostile to those who completely by surprise.
Department (JPJ). relatively easy if there is a shortage of encroach into their “territory”. Here’s an uncomfortable
airport taxis and e-hailing vehicles at admission: my views on Reading romance novels
If there are enforcement officers in KKIA, as was the case at KL While it was necessary to allow taxis romance novels were rooted in has given me hope. Enjoying
CVLB, they should go to the ground. If International Airport (KLIA), which to operate in designated areas decades classicism and internalised them, with all their endearingly
there are none, Shamsuddin is barking finally allowed city taxis to have their ago, it is now an opportune time for misogyny. predictable tropes, is like a safe
at the wrong tree. own queue for picking up arriving CVLB to lift taxi restrictions on haven in a world that feels cold
passengers from May 2013. territories. I thought romance novels and harsh.
Secondly, a waiting place can be a were for ditzy housewives. I
tricky issue. While airport taxis wait in Since its opening in June 1998, KLIA If city taxis are allowed to pick up would scoff and roll my eyes at There is a warmth that
queue for passengers without prior has often been plagued by a shortage of from the airports, likewise airport taxis the mere sight of their covers. comes from being able to guess
bookings to board their taxis, e-hailing airport taxis whenever there was a should also be allowed to operate in what the next chapter entails.
vehicles should only be allowed to convergence of arriving flights the city. With the kinds of books I
enter the driveway to pick up their resulting in a long row of customers was buying, I was trying to fulfil This is the perfect kind of
passengers after they have exited the queuing indefinitely while city taxis Just like taxi drivers are urged to find whatever idea I wanted to much-needed escapism, which
airport building. were forced to leave the airport empty the courage to face modern realities, project of myself. By reading feels so important right now,
handed. CVLB should also not allow relics of the cool books, maybe I could be when we have no idea what our
Just like private cars, unmarked e- past to continue well into the future. cool too. lives might look like in the
hailing vehicles should not be allowed But with amendments to the Land morning.
to wait at the driveway as exiting Public Transport Act 2010 and It is only a matter of time before Perhaps by reading books I
passengers could easily inform drivers Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board CVLB will have to regulate self-driving thought were highbrow, I My love for reading has been
by phone only when they are ready to cars to be used for passenger transport would appear to be highbrow reignited. I’ve read more in the
be picked up. and trucks for goods. too. last month than I have in the
past four years.
An area nearby is needed for drivers Except it was never really
to wait before pickup without about books. As uncomfortable There’s no stopping me
obstructing traffic. and mortifying as it is to admit, now, and I can’t get enough of
it was actually about feeling my newly found love for
better about myself, and trying storylines of love triangles,
to appear better than others; friends to lovers, and fake
namely my perception of those relationships.
who read romance novels.
By jumping head-first into
Then, I discovered the this new world, I’ve learnt
buzzing world of romance something about myself too: I
novels on Instagram and shouldn’t judge a book by its
cover (or people by the books
they read). – The Independent

9theSUN ON TUESDAY | JANUARY 25, 2022
SPEAK UP

COMMENT by Jason Loh andTanTzeYong

Time to change child marriage laws
ACCORDING to the United
Malaysia’s child marriage-related feasible that the data on child men and women. Thus, to effectively filter out the
Nations International statistics. marriage and divorces are compiled It is worth mentioning that LRA applications, the JKSM should
Children’s Emergency Fund Sisters in Islam and the Asian- by several agencies, including the intensify the SOP by adding more
(Unicef), child marriage is Pacific Resource and Research Centre National Registration Department, clearly states that the marriage of non- requirements.
defined as any formal marriage or for Women have stated that they faced Syariah Judicial Department and the Muslims under 16 cannot be legalised
informal union involving a party or hurdles when collecting data for the respective states. under any circumstances. For instance, both the groom and
parties under the age of 18. “Child Marriage: Its Relationship with As a result, the data related to child bride must have the ability to be
This social phenomenon violates Religion, Culture and Patriarchy” marriage would be disparate and However, the Chief Minister can financially independent.
children’s rights, depriving them of report. difficult to harmonise. still grant his consent to a female
their childhood and is not conducive For instance, they were unable to Thus, DOSM will need to work between the ages of 16 and 18 to be That is to say, the judge cannot
to a child’s future physical and mental access the latest data, were rejected with these agencies to deal with data married. factor in the financial status of their
development. when requesting data from the coordination. parents.
Nevertheless, child marriage still relevant government and religious A practical method to assist in the On top of that, there is no
happens all over the world. Malaysia is departments, and realised that the data coordination process is minimum legal marriage age for non- This requirement is aimed at
no exception. available data did not contain vital blockchain technology. Muslim aboriginal/indigenous people compelling the candidates to re-
In 2018, the former ruling coalition information (e.g., the child brides’ or All the relevant agencies can share under their customary laws. evaluate their financial position with
Pakatan Harapan (PH) unveiled the grooms’ ethnicity and their place of and access the data in real-time the ultimate purpose of discouraging
National Strategy Plan in Handling the residence). through blockchain which are to be Therefore, there are many them to apply to be marriage after
Causes of Child Marriage involving 17 Former deputy prime minister and duplicated in a central depository or “loopholes” in Malaysian marriage understanding the monetary
strategies and 58 programmes to be Women, Family and Community database system manned by DOSM, laws that allow child marriages to exist implications involved.
undertaken by 61 agencies to address Development minister Datuk Seri Dr which can then also analyse the in the country.
the six factors found in the issue. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail had also information and publicise the results Revisiting and revising the underage Besides that, student reporters
The six factors are: highlighted the promptly. marriage assessment criteria from Sin Chew Daily have proposed
1. low household income and prevalence of misleading Therefore, with the Nonetheless, it is difficult to address that both parties must accept a
poverty; child marriage data. data coordination issue the issue by only uniformly raising the provision of a “marriage cooling-off
2. lack of access to sexual On June 18, 2018, she addressed on a more minimum marriage age. period” when applying.
reproductive health education and One cannotstated that a total of 968 sustainable basis, we
parenting skills; move forward towards Currently, five states – Penang, This means that underaged
3. lack of access to education and marriages involving addressing the issue of Sabah, Johor, Malacca and Perak, and children can divorce at any time
dismiss the factnon-Muslim children, child marriage based on Federal Territories – are open to before reaching adulthood without
poor school attendance; amending the legal minimum age like the consent of the other party or their
4. stigma and social norms that including boys and girls the preceding Factors 1 Selangor, but the implementation parents.
that parentsand adults, were to 5. process is slow-going.
dictate that underaged marriage is This clause is expected to help
the best solution in the community registered in 2017. While on the other hand, seven children escape domestic violence or
are usually theHowever, on the 31st other states – Sarawak, Pahang, involuntary/forced sex after marriage
to address problems; Child marriage law – Terengganu, Perlis, Negri Sembilan, and prevent children from marrying
5. loose laws that provide for the same month, she time for change Kedah and Kelantan – have demurred impulsively and without having a
ones whothen corrected the Moving on to the at such move. proper understanding and
marriage under 18 years old; and appreciation for each other’s
6. coordination of marital data and statement by clarifying Amending the minimum legal age compatibility.
that the previous data pursue child marriage laws in for marriage in the state constitutions
underage divorce. covered individuals from marriage due Malaysia dedicated to would, therefore, be considered a Furthermore, both parties and
Last month, Minister in the Prime 12 to 20 years old and to economic children, the country long-term strategy and drawn-out their parents must have mandatory
Minister’s Department (Religious that only 212 cases were problems and has a dual-track legal process entailing multi-stakeholder pre-marital counselling courses.
Affairs) Idris Ahmad reported that 445 between the ages of 12 system specifically for discussions on what is also deemed as
teenagers dropped out of school to get and 17. Muslims and non- a sensitive topic. One cannot dismiss the fact that
married in 2020, including 411 girls Muslims. parents are usually the ones who
and 34 boys. The lack of up-to- Sensitivities must therefore always pursue child marriage due to
The state with the most cases is date, consistent and This is because be taken into consideration while economic problems and social
comprehensive data Islamic marriage comes ensuring that the rights, interests and prejudice (i.e., thinking it is shameful
Sarawak (183), with Sabah (86) social prejudicecould hamper efforts to under state matter as welfare of the child is always at the for a child to become pregnant before
ranking second, followed by Kelantan provided for under the forefront. marriage).
(43), Pahang (38), Perak (21), effectively analyse the
actual situation on the Federal Constitution, For the immediate strategy, the Thus, the counselling course will
Terengganu (21), Kedah (17), Selangor ground, thus failing to and the federal critical issue under consideration is serve as a last resort for the parents to
(12), Johor (10), Penang and Perlis definitively address the government has no the standard operating procedures change their mindset and give up the
(four) each, Negri Sembilan (three), issue of child marriage exclusive and overriding (SOP) enacted by the Department of thought of child marriage.
Melaka (two) and Labuan (one). with the view of eventual jurisdiction. Syariah Judiciary Malaysia (JKSM) for
eradication. In pursuance of the Islamic Family Muslims applying for underage It is worth mentioning that the
Moving away from outdated and Although the PH government had Law Enactment of the respective marriage as from July 2018. (amended) SOP should also apply to
inconsistent data collapsed, current Women, Family states, the minimum marriage age for non-Muslims and indigenous people
With regard to the above data, a and Community Development Muslims is 18 for males and 16 for The SOP contain questions about in their respective legal marriage
spokesman for the All-Women’s Minister Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun females. the purpose of nuptial, family history, systems to pre-empt child marriages
Action Society (Awam) pointed out is committed to continue With the sole exception of financial situation, education, health, in the country.
that the official figure was likely under- implementing and supplementing the Selangor, as the state had amended and understanding of the nature of
reported as Unicef Malaysia indicated National Strategy Plan mentioned the minimum legal marriage age by marriage. Overall, both the state legislative
that school closures and the need for above to address child marriage in the raising it to 18 for both men and assemblies and the parents are the
parents to marry their children in country. women in 2018. Also, the groom needs to submit a frontline stakeholders in the cause of
order to survive financially during the The critical issue under Nonetheless, a Syariah Judge can report by the Welfare Services preventing future child marriages.
pandemic might have increased child consideration is that the Department still grant his permission to allow Department (JKM) and the Royal
marriage in the country. of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) is the children below this age marry. Malaysian Police if necessary to prove Let us not let children lose their
only agency mentioned in the Plan to As for non-Muslims, Section 10 of that he has no criminal record. right to a bright and promising future!
Such speculation is plausible tackle the data coordination issue, i.e., the Law Reform (Marriage and
because this is not the first time Factor 6 (as alluded to above). Divorce) Act 1976 (LRA) states that the Although application cases Jason Loh Seong Wei and Tan Tze
anyone has questioned the This might not be sufficient or minimum legal marriage age is 18 for dropped by 787 after three years of Yong are part of the research team
authenticity and reliability of implementing the SOP, the number of of EMIR Research, an independent
applicants remains high at 2098 cases think tank focused on strategic policy
– based on data gleaned from Sept 1, recommendations based on rigorous
2018, to Oct 21, 2021.
research. Comments:
[email protected]

LETTERS [email protected]

Media plays a critical role in disseminating information

THE number of cases of police taken to the Gombak Police Station. received widespread notice on social information, ensuring its accuracy, To sum up, transparency and media
mistreatment in Malaysia is growing by The tragedy sparked outrage on media, media coverage of these being truthful and neutral, not inciting openness are critical factors in news
the day, yet the number of solved cases incidents has been limited. hatred on the basis of race or religion, publication to ensure that society has
remains silent. social media with trending hashtags and employing acceptable styles and access to information about events that
#BrutalityinMalaysia The role of the media in publicising language while keeping the influence have occurred.
The issue of police mistreatment is a #JusticeforGanapathy topics is critical, since it has a on society in mind.
controversial topic in society and for the #IndianLivesmatter as he is the second substantial influence on society’s Given the prevalence of information
Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) because it victim found dead in a month. understanding of them. The “not harming” concept should on the internet, society continues to rely
compromises its image and calls into govern media practitioners, and they on traditional media as their main
question their integrity in carrying out It can be observed that in this case The media is in a unique position should avoid any news that might incite source of important information.
their responsibilities. Ganapathy received coverage by since their raw material comprises a conflict or damage the integrity of
MalaysiaKini and several other dailies, people’s thoughts and they largely deal others. Thus, the media should be able to
The credibility of the media is who are independent news publishers. with moral ideals which emphasises cover issues extensively in order to raise
questioned in the eyes of society that media is the most powerful, To enhance news integrity, media awareness and disseminate
because of a discrepancy between the MalaysiaKini, as a newspaper free comprehensive, effective and reliable practitioners should seek to prevent any information to society.
independent and owned governmental from government control, managed to tool. Therefore, they must conduct control over material flow and disparity
political parties in its reporting of social provide in-depth coverage of how it themselves ethically. in media content and concentrate on Aliah Amira Azharuddin
facts. Ganapathy, a 43-year-old security occurred, responses from social media impartiality via examining multiple Faculty Mass Communication,
guard, died less than an hour after being users and used very bold headlines. Media practitioners are responsible viewpoints on an issue.
for gathering and disseminating UiTM
Despite the fact that the incidents

10 theSUN ON TUESDAY | JANUARY 25, 2022
MEDIA & MARKETING

A trusted
brand
o AirAsia continues to relevancy and ensuring strong recall. dedicated to everyone
be the top choice in the “As we ease into the endemic who never stops believing
travel category phase as a digital services group, in us, and to all our Allstars
our broad range of products and who never stop building the
AIRASIA continues to be the services continue to leverage one AirAsia brand into what it is
top choice in the travel another to boost and reaffirm our today.” Moonbug Kids now on Astro
category as the brand market presence across multiple The Putra Brand Awards is
garnered the Silver award at industries. No other brand in an initiative by the Association
the Putra Brand Awards 2021 in the Asean offers the breadth of of Accredited Advertising Agents YOUNG Astro viewers can enjoy entertainment.
Transportation, Travel and Tourism services we do now and with Malaysia (4As) to recognise local more kids favourites including “Families who value a high-
category. access to over 700 million and international brands that are popular shows like CoComelon,
consumers in Southeast Asia, near and dear to the hearts of all Little Baby Bum, Blippi, ARPO, and quality and safe family viewing
AirAsia Group Chief Brand Officer we foresee huge growth Malaysians. It is the only award more, on the new channel experience can look forward to
Rudy Khaw said: “The past two years potential to command chosen by the people. Moonbug Kids via TV (Ch 618), current popular series like
have been a turbulent ride for the brand leadership in all that The award received over 11,000 Astro GO and On Demand from 1 CoComelon, Blippi, Little Baby
tourism and aviation industries and we offer. responses from consumers across February 2022. Bum and more, which will join our
with numerous travel restrictions to “We would like to Peninsular and East Malaysia who extensive line-up of kids favourites
contend with last year, we had to find thank everyone who participated in the consumer All customers can also enjoy a on the big screens and across
new and interesting ways to keep our voted for us and we are preference survey to preview of the channel on TV (Ch devices via Astro GO.”
brand at the forefront of mind for our delighted that the determine their 620) from now until 31 January
consumers. Our many offerings AirAsia brand favourite brands 2022. Moonbug Kids (Ch 618) will
throughout 2021 allowed us to be in a continues to across 24 replace BabyTV from 1 February
position of maintaining that resonate so different Agnes Rozario, Director of 2022 and will be available to
strongly in the product and Content, Astro, said: “Astro is customers on the new Astro Kids
market. This services delighted to offer our customers Packs, along with TA-DAA! (Ch
award is categories. new channel Moonbug Kids, 612), Cartoon Network (Ch 615),
especially for parents and young Nickelodeon (Ch 616), Nick Jr. (Ch
kids to enjoy the best child-friendly 617) and Boomerang (Ch 619).

Celebrating the joy of reunions A blast from the past

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S E C U R I T I E S S D N. B H D. TUESDAY
JANUARY 25, 2022
197201001092 (12738-U)
Editorial Tel: 03-7784 6688
A Participating Organisation of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad Fax: 03-7785 2624/5

A Trading Participant of Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad Email: [email protected]
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% RM m RM m RM m

49.6 Institutions 901.1 967.1 -66.0

32.7 Retail 619.5 613.6 5.9

17.7 Foreign 362.5 302.4 60.1

100.0 1883.1 1883.1 0.0 5.20 11.51 309.09 1.54 66.11 89.74 42.29 36.30
KLCI STI HANG SENG SCI NIKKEI TSEC KOSPI S&P/ASX200
Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com 1,521.86 3,283.35 24,656.46 3,524.10 27,588.37 17,989.04 2,792.00
Source: Bursa Malaysia 7,139.50

KL MARKET SUMMARY Blueprint charts course
January 24, 2022

INDICES 10,917.51 CHANGE -41.74 for financial sector reform
FBMEMAS
FBMKLCI 1,521.86 -5.20
CONSUMER PRODUCTS 565.07 -3.23
INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 200.51 -0.32
CONSTRUCTION 148.15 -0.72
FINANCIAL SERVICES 15,700.86 -75.75
ENERGY 725.41 -0.47
TELECOMMUNICATIONS 608.13 -3.32 o Financeministersays He laid out the key expected outcome of role in leading transformation and changes
HEALTH CARE 2,138.44 -50.57 2022 presents rare the five-year blueprint. They are advancing at the industry level.
TRANSPORTATION 849.74 -0.77 opportunity to future digitalisation of the financial sector,
PROPERTY 695.27 -0.16 proof and transform the providing meaningful choice and access for There is also a need to improve the
PLANTATION 6,726.63 +27.35 landscape consumers; and to increase the vibrancy of financial well-being of households and
FBMSHA 11,626.92 -34.28 the funding ecosystem to meet Malaysia’s businesses by fostering conditions for
FBMACE 6,102.98 -21.54 █ BY AMIR IMRAN HUSAIN SAFRI economic needs. greater market dynamism to respond to
TECHNOLOGY 80.17 -0.26 [email protected] the changing needs of economy and
PETALING JAYA: 2022 will not only be a In addition, it is also expected to spur society.
TURNOVER VALUE pivotal recovery year for Malaysia, but also a wider adoption of green finance and
2.833 BIL RM1.882 BIL rare opportunity to reform and future-proof sustainability practices. “This calls for more and diverse actors in
ourselves according to Finance Minister the financial system, operating within well-
5 MOST ACTIVES Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. With the blueprint drawn, the minister defined parameters that encourage healthy
January 24, 2022 exclaimed now it’s time to act. competition and innovation, alongside
The Financial Sector Blueprint 2022 to prudent and responsible conduct,” she
STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) 2026 (FSB) will be critical for the financial “In this regard, I urge the financial sector elaborated.
DNEX 167,438,200 93.0 -5.5 sector to navigate the oncoming challenges to collaborate with the government in
CORAZA 117,975,200 81.5 +15.5 and opportunities – in turn, complementing building back better.” In turn, the next priorities identified in
EASTLND-OR 107,899,700 0.5 UNCH the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP). the blueprint is to advance digitalisation in
SMTRACK 102,085,000 19.5 +0.5 On the FSB, Bank Negara Malaysia the sector; positioning the financial system
TWL 86,242,300 5.5 -1.0 “The road ahead will require nothing less (BNM) governor Tan Sri Nor Shamsiah to facilitate and orderly transition to a
than a whole-of-nation approach involving Mohd Yunus said the financial sector will greener economy and advancing value-
5 TOP GAINERS the government, regulators, the private continue to have a central role in providing based finance through thought leadership
January 24, 2022 sector, civil society organisations, and the solutions to the challenges ahead. in Islamic finance.
financial community,” said Zafrul in his
STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM opening speech for MyFintech Week 2022 “Be it in bringing about an orderly On this issue, Shamsiah said the central
MPI 829,600 39.50 1.48 and the launch of the FSB held virtually transition to a greener economy, or helping bank’s conviction on the purpose of finance
NESTLE 41,200 133.00 0.80 yesterday. households and businesses become more is to serve the needs of the real economy,
PMBTECH 475,400 13.30 0.70 resilient to financial shocks in an improving lives and livelihoods.
PMBTECH-LA 7,500 13.20 0.70 increasingly dynamic and fast changing
PMBTECH-WA 21,000 10.16 0.68 economic environment,” she said. Ultimately, she believes financial
services must help people and businesses
Towards this goal, the central bank has grow their wealth, engage in trade and
identified five priorities through the commerce, and build resilience. It must
formulation of the blueprint. help customers manage financial risks and
adverse events – including climate and
The first being funding the economic environment related risks to secure lasting
transformation. With the financial sector’s prosperity.
strong foundation Shamsiah believes the
industry is well-positioned to play a stronger

5 TOP LOSERS Bank Negara on track to lift rate this year: Fitch
January 24, 2022

STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM PETALING JAYA: Bank Negara Malaysia OPR at 1.75% on Jan 20. expects Brent crude oil prices to average
FANG-2XL 100 12.72 1.30 (BNM) is expected to hike its overnight policy “In the statement accompanying the slightly higher at US$72 (RM301.68) per barrel
RAPID 83,600 8.75 0.25 rate (OPR) by 50 basis points (bps) to 2.25% in (bbl) in 2022, compared to US$70.95/bbl in
HARTA 2,342,900 5.53 0.22 2022 to rebuild policy buffers and maintain decision, BNM highlighted uncertainties 2021,” it noted.
BKAWAN 22,500 22.80 0.20 ringgit stability. surrounding the global economy noting that
VITROX 1,335,000 7.80 0.19 while the ‘global economy continues to recover,’ Besides, the consumer price index also
According to Fitch Solutions Country Risk risks such as ‘the emergence of new variants of surged by 12.6% year-on-year (y-o-y) in
EXCHANGE RATES JANUARY 24, 2022 and Industry Research, the central bank seeks concern, risks of prolonged global supply November 2021, marking the eighth
to ensure the stability of the ringgit and disruptions, and risks of heightened financial consecutive month of double-digit increase,
Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy maintain its real interest rate differential over market volatility amid adjustments in monetary and this will likely feed through into higher
the US, which is now likely to begin hiking in policy in major economies remained. consumer prices in the coming months.
1 US DOLLAR TT/OD TT OD 2022 rather than in 2023.
1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 4.2470 4.1220 4.1120 “The government expects growth to range “Risks to our interest rate forecast are
1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.0670 2.9460 2.9300 “The inflationary pressures are building, between 5.5% and 6.5% in 2022, against our slightly tilted to the upside. A surge in inflation
1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.1570 3.0650 3.0570 while the BNM does not have a numeric forecast of 5.5% growth, and the stronger could prompt the central bank to accelerate
1 EURO 3.3750 3.2860 3.2740 inflation target, it is still mandated to maintain growth picture will provide the central bank the rate hiking cycle in 2022 to ensure positive
1 NEWZEALAND DOLLAR 4.8210 4.6660 4.6460 price stability. We continue to see some upside space to hike to head off inflationary pressures real interest rates and rebuild policy buffers in
1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 2.8620 2.7570 2.7410 risks if major central banks around the world and rebuild policy space. anticipation of global monetary policy
1 STERLING POUND 3.1570 3.0650 3.0570 were to tighten monetary policy even quicker tightening.
1 SWISS FRANC 5.7620 5.5820 5.5620 than we currently expect due to growing and “We have revised our average inflation
100 UAE DIRHAM 4.6370 4.5320 4.5170 underlying inflationary pressures,” it noted in a forecast for 2022 upward to 3.3% compared to “The contingency becomes more likely if
100 BANGLADESHTAKA 117.0000 110.9400 110.7400 statement. our 2.5% estimate for 2021. The main driver of major central banks accelerate their rate hiking
100 CHINESE RENMINBI 5.0240 4.7150 4.5150 inflation in 2022 will likely be higher average oil cycle, perhaps in response to a swifter increase
100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 67.1000 64.4000 BNM decided at its monetary policy prices and higher input costs as economic in inflation than they currently anticipate,” it
100 INDIAN RUPEE 55.1200 52.3800 N/A committee meeting to hold its benchmark activity normalises. Our oil & gas team now noted.
100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 5.8000 5.4500 52.1800
100 JAPANESE YEN 0.0306 0.0278 5.2500 Miti lists five main sectors under investment aspirations initiative
100 NEWTAIWAN DOLLAR 3.7370 3.6200 0.0228
100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 16.4000 3.6100 KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of drafted the NIA and they are in line with the a major impact in respect of the automotive
100 PHILIPPINE PESO 2.4600 N/A International Trade and Industry (Miti) has NIA’s initiative to focus on high-impact and industry.
100 QATAR RIYAL 8.4000 2.3000 N/A identified five key sectors under the National technological investments.
100 SAUDI RIYAL 117.2500 7.9200 2.1000 Investment Aspirations (NIA) initiative that “In this regard, Miti will do its utmost to
100THAI BAHT 114.5000 111.3100 7.7200 can attract more foreign investors to invest “This initiative will create quality and ensure we achieve the objectives of the
13.4400 108.6900 111.1100 either in research and development or high-skilled employment opportunities for National Automotive Policy and meet the
11.9300 108.4900 manufacturing facilities using new locals and strengthen the country’s net-zero greenhouse gas (GhG) emissions
11.5300 technologies. competitiveness,“ he told the media after target by 2050 as outlined in the 12th
attending the Miti and Agencies 2022 Malaysia Plan,” he added.
Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama The sectors are electrical and electronics, assembly yesterday.
pharmaceutical, digital economy, aerospace To this end, Mohamed Azmin said the
and chemicals, said Senior Minister cum Miti Earlier on in his speech, Mohamed Azmin electric vehicle (EV) task force has been
Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali. said Miti is also committed to spearheading established to act as a platform to discuss the
the environmental, social and corporate strategies and implement measures to drive
“These five sectors are among the new governance (ESG) in implementing the NIA. the development of EVs and its entire
economic growth sectors identified when we ecosystem. – Bernama
“This ESG agenda, in particular, will have

12 theSUN ON TUESDAY | JANUARY 25, 2022 FOLLOW ON YOUTUBE SCAN
SUNBIZ ME
/theSunMedia

FMM says RCEP Time to push boundaries,
implementation says BMM deputy governor
timely for
business recovery

KUALA LUMPUR: The Federation
of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM)
welcomes Malaysia’s upcoming important preconditions. In this micro businesses.
implementation of the Regional o Need for innovation in financial sector – regard, our strategies in digital space Chia believes the traditional
Comprehensive Partnership using more non-debt products to aim to enhance existing pathways
Agreement (RCEP), scheduled for fund economic transformation, for example such as regulatory sandbox for understanding of financial capacity,
March 18, 2022. digital innovation to test, scale and in which payments must be within
FMM president Tan Sri Soh Thian also exit.” 30% of a person’s notional income, is
Lai said as global economies Rasheed said the central bank is helpful, but it might not be useful
continue to ramp up efforts for committed to supporting market anymore.
economic recovery, the █ BY AMIR IMRAN HUSAIN SAFRI protection framework and rapid entry of digital players that can
implementation of the RCEP by the [email protected] digitalisation – have helped shape address the gaps in the financial She believes transactional data
first quarter of this year is very timely the policy. sector. The focus area in the coming such as supply chain linkage data
for Malaysian businesses to leverage PETALING JAYA: Against the years is the licensing of digital and e-commerce sales data could
this mega agreement as a Covid-19 backdrop of a changing and He added that this is an area insurers and digital takaful augment traditional data.
business recovery tool to boost trade. uncertain operating environment, where the financial sector can do operators to promote greater
there is a need for innovation in the more, especially to help businesses inclusion, competition and “Banks will have to extend their
financial industry, according to which want to grow but require efficiency in the industry itself. relationship with other external
Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) creative financing solutions that do Speaking of the changing providers like the new banks,
deputy governor, Datuk Abdul not burden them with more debt. operating environment, Standard disruptors and startups. This is
Rasheed Ghaffour. Chartered Malaysia Bhd chairman where we can talk about a form of
“It’s a time to truly push the Furthermore, the deputy Datuk Yvonne Chia opined that, in a open banking – opening up data-
“FMM is a strong advocate of the boundaries of finance, this is governor pointed out that the post-pandemic world, the historical sharing platforms,” she said.
RCEP as we have always maintained articulated in the strategies to fund strategy is consistent with the models on credit may not reflect
that RCEP, once implemented, will the economic transformation of the overarching National Investment normal behaviour as the credit ShopeePay Malaysia head Alain
contribute significantly to Malaysian country using more non-debt Aspirations, a long-term framework models today are premised on Yee said he agrees with Chia’s
businesses as it creates a single instruments, complementing which seeks to propel growth for equilibrium macroeconomic opinion.
economic cooperation bloc that conventional debt products,” he said Malaysia through the flow assumptions.
accounts for about 30% of the global during a panel discussion at sustainable quality investments in “As you can see with Covid-19, He opined that it is an important
gross domestic product and a third MyFintech Week 2022. new and complex growth areas. this is not normal,” she said. area of collaboration between the
of the global population, or 2.2 Being involved in the From her observation, which public and private sectors to
billion people, with Asean playing a development of the Financial Sector Rasheed said the blueprint also includes disruptors, the kind of data establish new critical capabilities
central role. Blueprint 2022 to 2026 (FSB) called for market dynamism, which needed are transactional data as the such as an open data ecosystem,
Rasheed revealed the forces of refers to a financial industry that is incoming and outgoing payments national identity registers and
“According to a recent report by change – demographic change, the able to proactively and effectively provide more insight into credit advancing the shared payment
United Nations Conference on fragmented and fragile social lead its own developmental journey capacity behaviour across retail and infrastructure.
Trade and Development, compared and respond to challenges.
to the other Asean countries, “This will be crucial for the
Malaysia is expected to be the “To foster market dynamism, advancement of data-driven decision
largest beneficiary of the RCEP competition and innovation are making, for example, in credit scoring
agreement in terms of gains in and increasing resilience of the
exports, with a projected US$0.2 financial system as well.”
billion increase,” he said in a
statement yesterday. MAG unveils MHFlySafe, reinforces commitment to safety

Malaysia is poised to be the 12th SEPANG: Malaysia Aviation Group Safety Label by Bureau Veritas, and security at the core of what we ensure that they are protected and
RCEP signatory to implement the (MAG) yesterday reinforced its signifying that our efforts for safer do throughout our varying aviation enjoy a safe and comfortable at
agreement after the Instrument of commitment to safety and hygiene and seamless travel meet business portfolios,” said MAG every step of the way.
Ratification was submitted to the with the launch of its MHFlySafe international standards that are group CEO Captain Izham Ismail.
Asean Secretariat on Jan 17, 2022. campaign and logo, following a thoroughly assessed by an “As the world is facing up against
detailed audit by the Bureau Veritas independent and globally “Our priority remains in the fast-spreading Omicron variant
Soh said FMM has launched a Certification Malaysia on the recognised body. This is a testament ensuring the highest standards of we will continuously monitor and
series of webinars on the RCEP to group’s airlines – including Malaysia of our commitment to putting safety safety and hygiene protocols to our adjust our processes and policies
assist companies to identify Airlines, Firefly, MASwings – and passengers and employees to according to the latest
potential opportunities and gaps in AeroDarat Services, the ground- developments pertaining to health
some of the new areas in the free handling expertise within the group. and safety SOP from various
trade agreement (FTA) to ensure authorities of respective countries
that Malaysian businesses maximise The certification validates the that underpins our commitment
the gains and minimise any possible group’s health and safety standards under MHFlySafe campaign.”
losses from the FTA. with globally recognised best
practices and recommendations, MHFlySafe is an overarching
FMM also called on the and marks a timely occasion, campaign of MAG’s FlyConfidently
government to hasten the ratification especially as the group works with campaign which was first
process of the Comprehensive and stakeholders and partners across introduced in July 2020 to raise
Progressive Agreement for Trans- the value chain to facilitate a public awareness of the health and
Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). seamless and safe experience for safety measures taken by the group.
leisure and business travellers with
The CPTPP is expected to the gradual reopening of borders. The effort was recognised by
provide access to three countries AirlineRatings, a worldwide airline
that Malaysia currently has no FTA MAG recently signed an safety and product rating review
with – Canada, Mexico and Peru. agreement with Bureau Veritas, the website, as Malaysia Airlines
world leader in testing, inspection received a 7-star rating for its Covid-
“While we are aware that there is and certification, to deploy the 19 health and safety measures. All
no deadline for Malaysia to “Safeguard” Hygiene Excellence and operating Malaysia Airlines pilots
complete the domestic process to Safety Label, designed to support the and cabin crew are fully vaccinated.
enable the ratification of the CPTPP, operational restart of tourism and
FMM believes the ratification of the business activities of their airlines MAG is a member of Travel Safe
agreement at the earliest date and ground-handling services. Alliance Malaysia, representing the
possible will further contribute to aviation industry, and recently
Malaysia’s recovery,” Soh said. – “We are delighted to have joined forces with the Penang State
Bernama received certification for the Exco Office for Tourism and Creative
‘Safeguard’ Hygiene Excellence and Economy to raise confidence in the
travel market in Penang.

Retail industry reshapes itself with hybrid cloud and AI

KUALA LUMPUR: The great reset in preferences for sustainability and National Retail Federation vice- tools and the product category they to the lack of information in the
the global retail industry is firmly in shopping journeys splintered across president (research development are looking to purchase,” Mathews buying process, IBM Consumer
place. After two years of the Covid-19 multiple digital, physical, and mobile and industry analysis) Mark Mathews said. Industries global managing director
pandemic, the industry is fast touchpoints. said in a press statement that this Luq Niazi said.
reshaping itself with hybrid cloud “hybrid” approach is a fundamental The study showed that
and artificial intelligence (AI) to meet Hybrid purchasing – which shift in consumer behaviour. sustainability and brand preferences Niazi said their experience with
shifting consumer shopping and combines physical and digital have become increasingly important clients showed that leading retail
sustainability preferences. channels in buying experiences – is “While many surveyed consumers since 2020 with 62 per cent of brands are continuing to rapidly
on the rise, according to a new global still place high value on the respondents willing to change buying transform operations, customer
The Institute for Business Value study of over 19,000 surveyed traditional in-store shopping habits in order to reduce experience and supply chains with
(IBV), in association with the customers, as shopping practices experience, they also now expect the environmental impact, up from 57 technologies like AI, hybrid cloud
National Retail Federation, released acquired out of need during the flexibility to build their own shopping per cent two years ago. and blockchain to help serve
their second global study which Covid-19 pandemic have become journey – according to the behaviours multiple customer preferences. –
revealed rising consumer “routine”. prevalent to their age range, available However, there is still a gap Bernama
between intentions and actions due

13theSUN ON TUESDAY | JANUARY 25, 2022

* SUNBIZ

SilTerra to invest RM645m BRIEFS MAYBANK: ALLEGATIONS
to increase capacity OF EXPOSURE TO
GENTING HK BASELESS
CYBERJAYA: SilTerra Malaysia Sdn o Investment will expand group’s annual will provide a stable business for
Bhd, Malaysia’s largest semiconductor volume from 8.3 million as at end of July 2021 to SilTerra in case a market downturn KUALA LUMPUR: Malayan
wafer foundry, is investing RM645 10 million mask layers happens. Apart from the business Banking Bhd (Maybank) stated
million on an expansion plan that will these LTAs will bring, SilTerra is vehemently that the
increase its annual capacity by 20%. with lower manufacturing cost. demand of electric vehicles, Internet- committed to work with our allegations that it will face
“The initiatives implemented thus of-things (IOT), data centres and customers to improve the technology major financial trouble owing
The investment, sourced from electronic commerce. This demand is cooperation to further strengthen and to exposure to Genting Hong
both capital injections by far to transform SilTerra into a particularly relevant especially for the optimise the product and technology Kong are baseless. “With regard
shareholders and internally profitable and resilient technology 200mm specialty foundries where roadmap among the parties,” said to your query on recent news
generated fund, will increase company have yielded fruitful results. SilTerra is in. Hence, it is prudent for Syed Zainal Abidin. articles suggesting that
SilTerra’s annual capacity from 8.3 In the past six months, our us to continue our long-term Maybank is one of the three
million as at end of July 2021 to 10 debottlenecking and process investment programmes for SilTerra “All in all, the execution of our Malaysian banks that will face
million mask layers. The additional improvements exercise have resulted to cater to the rising demand,” he business roadmap has been major financial trouble owing
capacity is expected to be ready for in improved productivity and added. progressing well. Alongside the to exposure to Genting Hong
production by early 2023. efficiency levels,” he said. continual positive outlook of the Kong, Maybank would like to
Moreover, he said the support from semiconductor industry and our state vehemently that these
According to DNeX group “As a result, SilTerra is now a SilTerra’s customers is very strong. investment, we believe there is still allegations are baseless,” it said
managing director Tan Sri Syed Zainal profitable entity and is well-poised to ample room for SilTerra to deliver in a written reply to query on
Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir, who is grow further in view of the continuous “The recently inked long-term stronger results moving forward,” he the issue. It was reported that
also executive chairman of SilTerra, strong demand for semiconductors agreements (LTAs) with ChipOne added. three Malaysian banks’ profits,
the investment is the shareholders’ and prevailing capacity constraints Technology (Beijing) Co Ltd and including Maybank, are set to
on-going commitment to equip the within the industry due to the high Taiwan-based ILI Technology Corp SilTerra is a strategic investment of take a major hit as trouble
company with best-in-class DNeX, and Beijing Integrated Circuit looms over cruise operator
manufacturing capabilities and Advanced Manufacturing and High- Genting Hong Kong – a major
expand the production capacity to End Equity Investment Fund Center Asian corporate casualty of the
achieve a better economy of scale (Limited Partnership) (CGP Fund). Covid-19 pandemic. – Bernama

Qhawarizmi Architect wins Sime Darby concept home contest BURSA EKES OUT
NET FOREIGN
PETALING JAYA: Qhawarizmi Azmir (left) with first prize winner Qhawarizmi Architect which emerged honorary mention prizes to Cheong INFLOW OF RM11.35M
Architect was announced the winner of victorious with their futuristic solution entitled Non-Fungible Terraces. Gin Yong Architect with their
the Sime Darby Property Bhd Concept submission “Breathing Ground”, and PETALING JAYA: Malaysia saw a
Home 2030 Competition (CH2030 futuristic and innovative digital- under a common ecosystem with Arkitek Oma and Shah Architect with second straight week of net
Competition) yesterday. physical twinning development centralised green and social event “Half House”, taking home a cash prize foreign inflow of RM11.35
concept that demonstrates future home spaces. Third-place winner RE of RM10,000 each. million for the week ended Jan
Launched in August 2021 in purchase options using blockchain Design/Boon Zi Yang received 21 despite regional peers
partnership with the Malaysian technology. RM50,000 cash prize for their A special category in CH2030 reporting a net outflow. In the
Institute of Architects (PAM), the submission titled “I-LIVE” that Competition was the People’s Choice preceding week, offshore
CH2030 Competition aimed to Second prize winner Arkitek Seni empowers homeowners to customise Award which was based on votes investors bought a net
challenge the nation’s visionary Kenyalang bagged RM75,000 with their their homes with flexible volume sizes, received from members of the public RM397.85 million of local
architects to design the Malaysian submission titled “Project Eco- dynamic façade design and activation online during the final phase. Cipta equities. MIDF Research stated
homes of tomorrow, with innovative Preneur” which focused on presenting of under-utilised spaces. Teguh Architects emerged as the crowd the market opened on
ideas that anticipate future needs and terrace houses in a sub-cluster plan that favourite and winner of the People’s Monday with foreign investors
lifestyles, while leveraging on the depth will be built with 3D printing In addition to the top three winners, Choice Award, garnering more than and retailers selling RM70.04
and breadth of technological automated construction sequence CH2030 Competition also awarded two 1,200 votes online for their entry million and RM18.67 million
capabilities. entitled “Roomah+” that portrays net of local equities,
future terrace homes as sustainable and respectively. For the remainder
The CH2030 Competition received climate friendly. of the week, foreigners
171 registrants from architects reversed their stance and
registered with PAM, the highest “The submissions we received from emerged as net buyers with a
number of participants for any of the the CH2030 Competition participants net buying of RM49.76 million
institute’s competitions. Entries were were highly impressive, showcasing on Thursday followed by the
judged by a distinguished panel of innovative use of technology and biggest net inflow of the week
adjudicators consisting of Sime Darby material, as well as creatively painting a with RM59.36 million.
Property and PAM representatives. picture of how these elements can make
for better homes in the future,” said MALAYSIAN RE’S
Winning entries were recognised for Sime Darby Property group managing VOLUNTARY CESSIONS
its overall concept and ideas, as well as director Datuk Azmir Merican. RENEWED FOR 3 YEARS
the ability to uphold the main four
pillars of the CH2030 Competition, “The CH2030 Competition has truly KUALA LUMPUR: MNRB
namely Sustainable Solutions, Modular set a new standard in being future- Holdings Bhd’s reinsurance arm
Expandable & Customisable, Modern ready and driving innovation. A Malaysian Reinsurance Bhd
Methods of Construction, and Tech- successful partnership between PAM (Malaysian Re) has received
Infused: A Home Brain, in the design. and Sime Darby Property, this Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM)
competition reflects the eagerness and approval to renew its voluntary
Qhawarizmi Architect took home a passion of the architect fraternity in cessions (VC) for three years,
cash prize of RM100,000 and creating future living trends, while from Jan 1, 2022 to Dec 31,
prospective commission to execute a breaking new ground beyond what we 2024. In a statement yesterday,
virtual or physical showcase project have seen over the past many decades,” MNRB said Malaysian Re has
with Sime Darby Property. The winning said PAM president Datuk Ar. Ezumi been receiving automatic
submission entitled “Non-Fungible Harzani Ismail. cessions as well as automatic
Terraces” was lauded for its truly participation in all domestic
facultative reinsurance and
Reaping the fruits of ESG-compliant practices treaty reinsurance for the
general insurance industry
PETALING JAYA: Carbon footprint other products. Sharing Session entitled ESG-driven larger businesses. The MSME under the VC. – Bernama
reduction, labour welfare and Contrary to popular belief that ESG economic policy post-pandemic: community remains a sizeable
diversity, tax strategy, and executive What it has to offer? untapped segment. We will need ‘ENHANCE ADOPTION
remuneration concerning pay ratio will cost the business and marginalise more MSME-tailored programmes OF FINTECH FOR
are the four components and low- the profit, a McKinsey review of more In addition, there is an FTSE4Good created with consideration of their INCLUSIVE RECOVERY’
hanging fruits for Malaysian than 2,000 studies concluded that Bursa Malaysia Index, which has constraints and progressively evolve
companies to draw up their better ESG scores translate to about a become the local stock exchange’s from the companies’ assessment and KUALA LUMPUR: The adoption
environmental, social and governance 10% lower cost of capital. It is linked to benchmark for ESG compliance. responsibility to achieve the agenda,“ of financial technology
(ESG) strategy. lower regulatory, environmental and he said. (fintech) must be enhanced to
litigation risks associated with high “For micro, small and medium drive more inclusive economic
According to Prime Minister’s ESC-scoring companies. enterprises (MSME), there is little “Workforce diversity and labour recovery as financing will be
Office economic director Shahril visibility on the adoption of ESG. We welfare are other vital dimensions of made more accessible to low-
Hamdan, even though there is no “Public-listed companies must also need to recognise that many ESG principles for Malaysia’s income groups as well as micro
universal definition or global disclose their material economic and smaller businesses find it challenging businesses. Whether large or small and small businesses. Technology
standard for ESG investing, ESG environmental management via their to adopt and comply with ESG companies, it is the top management’s Park Malaysia (TPM) CEO Dzuleira
performance is essential in securing annual reports’ sustainability practice due to a lack of funding and responsibility to provide a healthy and Abu Bakar said the future of
international financing access, be it statement,” said Shahril at the understanding of its principles. safe workplace for their employees, technology innovation has to
loans, investment, insurance, or Malaysia Debt Ventures Bhd (MDV) including foreign labour.” be the one that enables better
chairman’s Quorum Knowledge “Today, many ESG financing financial inclusion which also
initiatives are mainly available for has the power to boost
economic growth and support
industrial innovations. She said
it is important to understand is
that the use of fintech in most
daily businesses played a
pivotal role in financial
inclusion as more households
are now falling into the B50
category. – Bernama

14 theSUN ON TUESDAY | JANUARY 25, 2022 FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM SCAN
SUNBIZ ME
@thesundaily

Singapore reviews inflation forecasts as core prices near 8-year high

SINGAPORE: Singapore is reviewing economist forecasts. A Reuters poll of inflation rose by 4%, a near nine-year and commodity prices such as food The government had a previous
its official inflation forecasts, economists had forecast a 1.7% high, beating economists’ forecast of and oil, the Monetary Authority of forecast for 2022 headline prices to
authorities said yesterday, after data increase. 3.75%. Singapore (MAS) and the Ministry of average 1.5–2.5% and core inflation to
showed its key price gauge climbed Trade and Industry (MTI) said in a increase to 1-2%. For 2021, core
in December by the fastest pace in Singapore’s central bank Steep increases in air fares and statement. inflation came in at 0.9% and
nearly eight years, driven by a steep tightened its monetary policy in Covid-19 testing costs under headline prices rose to 2.3%.
increase in air fares. October, delivering its first such move Singapore’s quarantine-free travel “Given the recent stronger-than-
in three years, amid mounting cost schemes were a major factor in projected inflation outturns, Inflation is surging around the
The core inflation rate – the pressures. Its next policy review is December’s price jump. including the sharp uptick in air fares, world as economies recover from the
central bank’s favoured price scheduled for April when it is widely MAS and MTI are reviewing the pandemic, creating demand as a time
measure – rose to 2.1% in December expected by economists to tighten There remains significant current forecast ranges for CPI-All when bottlenecks in transportation
on a year-on-year basis, the highest further. uncertainty surrounding the outlook Items inflation and MAS Core are causing shortages in various
since July 2014 and topping for inflation in the near term, Inflation in 2022,” they said. commodities and goods. – Reuters
Yesterday’s data showed headline including from the costs of air travel

Cathay Pacific braces for BRIEFS TEMASEK TO ACQUIRE
resumption of cash burn TESTING FIRM
ELEMENT FOR US$7B
o Airline to feel bite of crew
quarantine measures SINGAPORE: Singapore’s Temasek
Holdings has agreed to buy
SYDNEY: Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific Airways Cathay Pacific planes parked on the tarmac at Hong Kong International Airport. The airline is operating Element Materials Technology for
Ltd said yesterday that it expected to resume about 2% of its pre-pandemic passenger capacity and about 20% of its pre-pandemic cargo capacity in about US$7 billion (RM29.3 billion),
burning cash because of stricter crew quarantine January. – REUTERSPIX as it sees an opportunity to boost
measures after flagging a surprise profit in the growth at the testing and
second half of 2021 due to cost cuts and a strong January, with only a handful of flights per month statement. inspection services provider, two
cargo market. to destinations such as London, Sydney and Hong Kong, which has been pursuing a “zero- sources familiar with the matter
Tokyo that had multiple daily flights before the said. State investor Temasek, which
The airline forecast it would post an annual pandemic. Flights to mainland China are less Covid” strategy in hopes of opening its border acquired a significant minority
loss of HK$5.6 billion to HK$6.1 billion (RM3 affected. with mainland China, has suspended transit stake in Element in 2019, is buying
billion to RM3.28 billion) for 2021, well below the flights from most of the world. the company from London-listed
average HK$10.2 billion estimate from 12 “Until conditions improve, we are doing buyout firm Bridgepoint Group,
analysts polled by Refinitiv and its HK$21.65 everything in our power to maximise capacity, The financial centre last month introduced one of the sources said. Temasek
billion loss in 2020. and estimate that mitigation measures to tighter crew quarantine rules after two Cathay declined to comment, while there
increase crew resources will enable us to operate crew members who broke self-isolation was no immediate response from
The full-year forecast was also narrower than approximately an additional 5% more cargo measures sparked a Covid-19 outbreak in the Bridgepoint and Element Materials
the first-half loss of HK$7.57 billion, with Cathay flight capacity than we are currently operating,” city. to a Reuters query.
pointing to positive cash flow generation in the Cathay chief executive Augustus Tang said in a
second half. The two have since been fired, arrested and RENAULT, NISSAN,
charged over the breaches. – Reuters MITSUBISHI TO
However, the airline forecast it would burn ANNOUNCE EV PLAN
through HK$1 billion to HK$1.5 billion of cash a
month starting in February after the government BEIJING: Renault SA, Nissan Motor
tightened crew quarantine restrictions, forcing Co and Mitsubishi Motors Corp
the airline to cut cargo and passenger capacity plan to triple their investment to
sharply. jointly develop electric vehicles
(EVs), two people with knowledge
Cathay is operating about 2% of its pre- of the plan told Reuters. The three
pandemic passenger capacity and about 20% of are expected to announce on
its pre-pandemic cargo capacity in January. Thursday a plan to invest more
than €20 billion (RM94.8 billion)
Rival Singapore Airlines Ltd, which also lacks over the next five years on EV
a domestic market but has less-strict travel rules, development, the sources said. By
forecasts it will reach 47% and 45% of pre-Covid 2030, the alliance is expected to
passenger capacity in January and February come up with more than 30 new
respectively. battery EVs underpinned by five
common platforms, they said. A
The schedules listed on Cathay’s website for Nissan spokesperson declined to
February and March appear about as light as “comment on speculation”.
Spokespeople for Renault and
Japan factory growth Thai domestic car sales down Mitsubishi did not respond to
hits 4-year high 4.2% on-year in 2021 requests for comment.
in January: Flash PMI
BANGKOK: Domestic car sales in Thailand fell (RM6.75 billion) of stimulus to support TOSHIBA SUSPENDS
TOKYO: Japan’s factory activity grew at the 17.2% in December from a year earlier and consumption and tourism to help an economy OPERATIONS AT CHIP
fastest pace in four years in January as output dropped 4.2% in the whole of 2021, due to hit by a fresh coronavirus outbreak. PLANT AFTER QUAKE
growth picked up, though pressure from a coronavirus outbreaks and a shortage of Of the total, 34.8 billion baht will be
persistent chip shortage, rising input prices microchips, the Federation of Thai Industries distributed among 29 million people between TOKYO: Toshiba Corp said
and the Covid-19 pandemic clouded the (FTI) said yesterday. Feb 1 and April 30, under an existing scheme yesterday that it had suspended
outlook. Car sales totalled 86,145 units in December aimed at encouraging purchases of goods, operations at a plant in Oita,
and 759,119 vehicles in all 2021, slightly above government spokesman Thanakorn southern Japan that makes
However, activity in the private sector as a target, the FTI said. Wangboonkongchana told a news conference. semiconductors used in cars and
whole slipped into contraction for the first In 2022, the FTI still forecasts car sales at Some 9.4 billion baht will be offered to industrial machinery, after a strong
time in four months as a surge in Omicron 800,000 to 850,000 vehicles, or a rise of 5.4% to holders of state welfare cards and those with earthquake hit the area at the
variant coronavirus cases hurt customer- 12%, supported by easing of travel curbs and special needs to boost spending, he added. weekend. Some equipment had
facing businesses in the services industry. economic recovery, Surapong The government also approved 9 billion baht been damaged and the company
Paisitpattanapong, a spokesperson for FTI’s to support domestic travel between February was still analysing the impact on
The au Jibun Bank Flash Japan automotive industry division, told a briefing. and July, deputy government spokeswoman production, Toshiba said in a
Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index Thailand is a regional vehicle production and Traisuree Traisoranakul told the conference. statement. The plant makes system
(PMI) rose to a seasonally adjusted 54.6 from export base for the world’s top carmakers, At a separate briefing, Finance Minister LSI chips, around 60% of which are
the prior month’s final of 54.3 to mark the including Toyota, Honda and Mitsubishi. Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said the measures to sold to carmakers and industrial
fastest pace of expansion since January 2018. The industry accounts for about 10% of support consumption would inject about 79 machinery makers, a spokesperson
Thailand’s gross domestic product and its billion baht into the economy, which will lift for Toshiba Electronic Devices &
Manufacturers reported the fastest manufacturing jobs. growth by 0.21 percentage points this year. Storage Corp said. Toshiba does
increase in output prices since July 2008. Car exports, however, jumped about 48% in “These measures will help maintain not yet know when it can restart
December from a year earlier and rose 30.4% in consumption,” he said, adding the economy was production, he added. – Reuters
But worries about the Omicron variant the whole of 2021, the FTI said. It predicts car still forecast to grow by 3.5% to 4.5% this year.
amid a record surge in new coronavirus exports to rise by 4.3% to 1 million vehicles in The measures will be finance by a PHILIPS Q4 SALES,
infections and a reintroduction of Covid-19 2022. previously announced borrowing plan with PROFIT DOWN SHARPLY
curbs in parts of the country greatly hurt In another development, Thailand’s Cabinet some 100 billion baht available, Arkhom
activity in the services sector. approved yesterday a further 53.2 billion baht added. – Reuters THE HAGUE: Dutch health
technology firm Philips posted big
The au Jibun Ban Flash Services PMI Index drops in fourth quarter sales and
slumped to a seasonally adjusted 46.6 from profit yesterday, as a faulty
December’s final 52.1 to contract at the fastest respirator recall and supply chain
pace in five months. – Reuters issues weighed on the company.
The Amsterdam-based firm said
sales came in at €4.9 billion
(RM23.2 billion) in October
through December, a 10% drop
compared to a year earlier. Fourth
quarter profit fell from €607 million
to €151 million. Full-year sales fell
from €19.5 billion in 2020 to €17.2
billion in 2021. Philips expects to
resume growth this year. – AFP

T U E S DAY
25 JANUARY 2022

█ BY MEGAN EAVES Trails through
THE sun daubs the sky hot New Mexico
pink and orange over a row of
small, undulating o A trip to the desert city brings visitors closer
mountains, a few puffy white to the history of the land
clouds reflecting the palette like a
perfect desert painting.
Everything is soft, and the scent of
moisture clinging to clay dirt hits my
nose – a deep, earthy fragrance.
Sunsets hit different in my home US
state, New Mexico.
These are Los Cerrillos, the “Little
Hills”, and I spent my childhood here
in a small adobe (mud-brick) house
on a tract of rural land 20 miles south
of the state capital, Santa Fe.

Homeland of the Pueblo peoples sophisticated irrigation systems. ceramicists and artisans who used The Manhattan Project National Historical Park, Los Alamos. – MEGAN EAVES
New Mexico was one of the last states Long before my grandparents turquoise from the Cerrillos Hills to
to join the union, added to the United make the iconic jewellery that has my best friend joins me for a road trip into Frijoles Canyon, where hunter-
States in January 1912 – 125 years arrived and bought the land in the been appropriated as “southwest north. We follow deserted back roads gatherers lived 10,000 years ago.
after Delaware became the first state. early 1950s, this was the style” today. into the Jemez Mountains, where
This is a great irony considering that Ya’atze/Kunyanonwikeji people’s table-flat mesas give way to high- The Ancestral Puebloan people
the lands of New Mexico were first home from at least the 1200s. A huge To learn more about the Pueblo altitude evergreen forests in which built a great city here starting in 1150
settled 10,000 years ago by tribes who city comprising 22 three-storey blocks peoples’ past and present, I visit the the Walatowa people (Jemez Pueblo) CE, now preserved as Bandelier
constructed great cities and stood about two miles from my Indian Pueblo Cultural Centre (IPCC) have lived for centuries. National Monument. A 1.4-mile trail
childhood home. The people were in Albuquerque. Run by a sovereign leads through the main settlement,
government formed by the 19 tribal Finally, we reach Los Alamos. where wooden ladders and
Zuni Pueblo Olla Maidens women’s dance group. – NEW MEXICO TRUE councils, its exhibits show the Nicknamed “the town that never was”, vertiginous stone steps let you peer
Puebloan arts and traditional ways of this was the base of the top-secret into some of the main dwellings. A
life, such as the adobe building Manhattan Project, where the first series of thousand-year-old
construction that has become New atomic bomb was developed in the petroglyphs decorate the smooth, tan
Mexico’s architectural drawcard. 1940s. The Los Alamos History sandstone cliff.
Museum is located in the complex
This is also the only place in North that formed the project’s base. On my final day in Albuquerque, I
America that hosts indigenous stop into Bow and Arrow Brewing Co.,
dances every weekend, year-round. It traces the history of the area, founded and owned by two Native
On my visit, the Pueblo Dance Group, starting from the Ancestral Puebloan American women. Settling down with
formed by performers from Laguna, peoples through to the Manhattan a deliciously hoppy Native Land IPA, I
Acoma, Zuni and Hopi Pueblos, takes Project, explaining that Los Alamos open a secondhand book procured a
to the centre courtyard. Women wear was chosen primarily because of its few days earlier – Spider Woman’s
white sheath dresses with beaded remote location. Granddaughters. Full of traditional
hems and the men don buffalo hides, tales and contemporary writing by
stepping in time with chanting On our final morning, we rise early Native American women, I can
drummers. and drive over a red mesa dotted with scarcely think of a better souvenir for
An atomic history shrubby pinon trees and past my trip. – The Independent
On my last few days in New Mexico, mysterious-looking lab buildings,

ENTERTAINMENT

16 theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | JANUARY 25, 2022

█ COMPILED BY MARIETTA MU, CELESTINE FOO & THASHINE SELVAKUMARAN One of the stills
released by
Seohyun shines in Love and Leashes Netflix showing
Seohyun in a new
ON Monday, Netflix released stills from movie is all set to introduce viewers to a light. – Netflix
the upcoming film Love and Leashes. new kind of romance they have never
The film depicts the sweet and spicy seen before.
romance between two office mates, The stills depicts Seohyun’s character
played by former U- from the film in office
Kiss member Lee attire, as well as one
Jung Young and Scan the QR sultry image showing her
code to watch whispering something
Seohyun from K-pop the trailer into her co-star’s ear.
girl group Girls
Generation. Directed by Park Hyun
The story begins Jin, this movie is based
after Ji Woo (Seohyun) accidentally on a popular South Korean webtoon
discovers her subordinate Ji-hoo’s (Lee titled Moral Sense.
Jung Young) unique preferences, and he The movie will be released on Netflix
asks her to become his master. This on Feb 11 this year.

Pure superstition
o Supernatural feud just a simple Padalecki was the first person he wanted to tell about the
mistake, says Jensen Ackles prequel.

AFTER Deadline’s announcement of a prequel for He explained that since it was the first project that he
Supernatural in June 2021, Jared Padalecki (who was producing, he didn’t want to jinx it until it was done
plays Sam Winchester) tweeted his deal, so that was why he was tight-lipped about the
congratulations to Jensen Ackles (who plays project.
Dean Winchester), adding that he wished he hadn’t heard
about it through Twitter. When it was announced, Ackles said that he had only
received the first script for the show in the previous week
When fans saw Padalecki’s tweet, they automatically and that it was still in the early stages of development.
thought that there was a feud between the pair who
starred in Supernatural as two brothers hunting Ackles recalled that he was working on a set that didn’t
supernatural entities across the country. The show ran for allow phones when the news broke.
15 seasons beginning in 2005.
“I had a long text from Jared, and he was really
Ackles, who is an executive producer on the new bummed, and I just remember my heart just sank,“ Ackles
prequel titled The said.
Winchesters, will be
starring as Dean via He added: “In hindsight, that could have been a step
voiceover narration. that was avoided. But it happened and we dealt with it.”
The Winchesters will
serve as an origin After they had a talk, Padalecki returned to Twitter to
story about the assure fans that all was well between the two of them.
brothers’ parents,
John and Mary Ackles (on right) said
Winchester, played by superstition and bad timing
Jeffrey Dean Morgan led to Padalecki not being
and Samantha Smith told. – GETTY
in the original series.

When Ackles was a guest
in Michael Rosenbaum’s
Inside of You podcast,
he mentioned that
he never meant
to keep the
Supernatural
prequel a
secret from
his onscreen
b r o t h e r,
stating that

Peacemaker is DCEU’s top-rated project
THE DC Extended Universe’s recently released
Peacemaker has done a great feat – it has become DCEU’s 93%.
highest reviewed project, all in only four episodes! “This is great. Even more, I’m moved by how people all

Rotten Tomatoes gave a 94% score to the series, making around the world are coming to love Chris, Leota, Adrian,
The Suicide Squad spinoff the highest ranking of any other Emilia, & John. On behalf of the whole cast & crew: Thank
DCEU project on the site. Patty Jenkins’ Wonder Woman you!” enthused series creator James Gunn.
(2017) starring Gal Gadot marks a strong second place at
Peacemaker stars John Cena (on right) as the titular 2021’s The Suidice Squad holds third place with 90%.
character with a complicated history. – DCEU Written and directed by the same creator of Peacemaker,
Gunn.

The first three episodes of Peacemaker opened on HBO
Max on Jan 13. Only seven out of the eight episodes were
revealed to critics before the series premiere, done so as to
avoid potential spoilers, said Gunn.

Gunn has been quoted as saying that DC Films and
HBO Max let him go “hog wild” so we see plenty of his
creativity in the series. He added that he took is as “an
opportunity to delve into current world issues through the
lens of this superhero/supervillain and world’s biggest
douchebag.”

He said: “I’m excited to expand The Suicide Squad and
bring this character from the DC film universe to the full
breadth of a series.”

First announced in 2020, Peacemaker’s timeline fits in
right after Suicide Squad, which sees John Cena reprising
his role as Christopher Smith/Peacemaker for the HBO
Max original series.

Having recovered from his wound, Peacemaker is
drafted into a secret mission known as Project Butterfly
with ARGUS agents.

17theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | JANUARY 25, 2022

A screenshot from the teaser showing the
Professor choosing his mask. – YOUTUBE

Starting with a bang(From left) Hairul, Iedil, Foo, Teh, Hii and Coby Chong during the media launch. – SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT MALAYSIA Money Heist
remake reveals
name and teaser

NETFLIX has confirmed that the Korean
adaptation of global hit Money Heist will
be titled Money Heist: Korea - Joint
Economic Area.
A special teaser was released last
week alongside the announcement,
offering fans a sneak peek of the much-
and starting new conversations and it is our anticipated series.
oThe Assistant is the first Malaysian action hope that Malaysian audiences join in our The title hints at the background of
enthusiasm.” Money Heist: Korea - Joint Economic
blockbuster to hit cinemas in the post-pandemic era On gearing up with Act 2 Pictures, Foo Area, which follows a genius strategist
revealed he has always admired Teh’s work. and his talented crew of top-class thieves
“We’re big fans of Adrian’s work and are proud as they attempt to pull off an
█ BY MARINA MUHTAR to be a part of bringing this stunning, action- unprecedented heist and stage a hostage
packed film to moviegoers across Malaysia.” situation in the Korean peninsula.
THE local film industry continues to make In a recent press conference, Foo mentioned The special teaser shows the
waves and create films that can transcend the a lot was taken into account before choosing the Professor, played by Yoo Ji-tae, in front of
silver screen, and change the industry for years release date considering how The Batman will a wall filled with unique masks,
to come. Malaysian filmmaker, Adrian Teh, is also premiere in the same month as The including a traditional Korean mask and
back with another action gripping movie titled, Assistant. the iconic
The Assistant. This time around, the 38-year-old “Our strategy is quite diverse, our Salvador
gears up with Sony Pictures Entertainment promotional activities have been initiated and Scan the QR Dalí mask
Malaysia to increase the appetite for the local in terms of awareness and publicity it will be code to from the
films in the country, and it also ongoing from the month of watch the original
marks Act 2 Pictures’ first January, throughout Chinese New teaser Spanish

collaboration with a Hollywood Scan the QR Year until March,” he said. series. As
Studio. code to He added: “We believe that he reaches out to choose a symbolic
Rated 18+, The Assistant watch the with Chinese New Year coming
mask for the heist, the scene ends
revolves around Zafik (Iedil trailer and the March’s school holiday, without revealing the Professor’s final
Dzuhrie) who was falsely that’s when the peak is going to choice.
imprisoned. After losing everything, he come”. Seon Woojin, team leader of the Crisis
encounters Feroz (Hairul Azreen) who seems to On the other hand, Teh revealed that this Negotiation team played by Kim Yunjin,
always appear at just the right time. As time film serves the audiences more than just action also makes an appearance, in addition to
goes on, will Zafik discover Feroz’s true elements. snappy introductions of the eight heist
motives? The film also stars Henley Hii as Sam “I can guarantee that this is more than just an members – Berlin (Park Hae-soo), Tokyo
and Farali Khan as Sofia. action film. It is an action-packed movie but (Jun Jong-seo), Moscow (Lee Won-jong),
Simon Foo, Managing Director of Sony there are various elements behind it, and there Denver (Kim Ji-hun), Nairobi (Jang
Pictures Entertainment Malaysia mentioned his is 40% action in this film,” said the director. Yoon-ju), Rio (Lee Hyun-woo), Helsinki
team treasures local films to further improve the He further mentioned he aims to emphasise (Kim Ji-hoon), and Oslo (Lee Kyu-ho).
industry. the drama and the plot twists of the film. Money Heist: Korea - Joint Economic
The Assistant is set to premiere on March 10. – “We value the role local films play in The Assistant will premiere in cinemas on Area will be released in 2022, only on
SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT MALAYSIA enriching the tapestry of our local film industry March 10. Netflix.

More money, more problems in The Gilded Age

EXPERIENCE the glamour, the ambitious wife, George
drama and the prestige of The Gilded (Spector) and Bertha Russell
Age, a new period drama TV series by (Coon).
Downton Abbey creator Julian Exposed to a world on the
Fellowes, which begins today on brink of the modern age, will
HBO GO and HBO (Astro Ch 411). Marian follow the established
Taking place in 1880s New York, the rules of society, or forge her own
show will follow the comings and path?
goings of the upper echelons of the According to Fellowes, The
city’s high society during that time. Gilded Age will explore the great
changes that took place within
The title refers to the period of New York society of the time, in
prosperity that took place in the era particular, the conflicts that took
due to the industrial boom, which place between the people who were on their
was also a period of immense considered new money, and the heads. The newcomers redesigned
economic change, of great conflict more staid old money social class. being rich. They created a rich
between the old ways and brand new “These people were culture that we still have today.”
systems, and of huge fortunes made extraordinary,” Fellowes said of the One thing is for sure, there will
and lost. former. “You can see why they certainly be plenty of twists and turns
frightened the old guard, because as each character battles to make
Written by Fellowes and Sonja Marian Brook and Peggy Scott are caught up in the class war in New York City. – they saw no sure that they come
Warfield and directed by Michael HBO boundaries. They out on top of the social
Engler and Salli Richardson- wanted to build a Scan the QR ladder.
Whitfield, the nine-episode drama Marian Brook (Jacobson) moving (Benton), an aspiring writer seeking a palace, they built a code to
series stars an ensemble cast of from rural Pennsylvania to New York fresh start, Marian inadvertently palace. They wanted to watch the The Gilded Age
Carrie Coon, Morgan Spector, Denée City after the death of her father to becomes enmeshed in a social war buy a yacht, they trailer premieres at 10am
Benton, Louisa Jacobson, Taissa live with her thoroughly old money between one of her aunts, a scion of today exclusively on
Farmiga, Blake Ritson, Simon Jones, aunts Agnes van Rhijn (Baranski) and the old money set, and her bought a yacht. HBO GO and HBO
Harry Richardson, Thomas Ada Brook (Nixon). stupendously rich neighbours, a “The old guard in New York (Astro Ch 411), with a same day
Cocquerel, Jack Gilpin, with Cynthia ruthless railroad tycoon and his weren’t like that at all, and suddenly encore at 10pm on HBO. Subsequent
Nixon and Christine Baranski. Accompanied by Peggy Scott this whirlwind of couture descended episodes will debut every Tuesday.

The story begins with a young

18 theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | JANUARY 25, 2022 FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK SCAN
ME
/thesundaily

David stirring a pot of tong sui. – CELESTINE FOO/THESUN Lee Lee hard at work preparing the fresh ingredients. – CELESTINE FOO/THESUN

Feeding people from the heart
oTwo retirees decide to start their own
F&B business serving simple fare

█ BY CELESTINE FOO light foods to an upgraded one due to requests
from customers. Both of them painstakingly
SOMETIMES retirement is just the next rotate their menu and prepare a rice dish of the
stage of life. This has proven true for 62- day daily. Think yam rice, black pepper chicken
year-old retired banker David Foo and rice, sweet sour chicken rice, and Thai basil
former SMK Assunta teacher Tan Lee chicken.
Lee, who run a food business from home. Malay customers also frequent the place,
Lee Lee shared: “I was supposed to go into and it is one of those rare gems in Petaling Jaya
tuition and a friend of mine who runs a tuition where those in the community freely drop by to
centre actually invited me to help out. But eat and mingle without any worry about the
because of MCO, the tuition idea did not kick off halal status.
and there I was, thinking of what to do next. David added: “We decided to stick to five of
Around the same time, David suggested we do the more traditional tong suis for our menu and
something instead of idling around.” we wanted to include at least one savoury dish
David explained: “The idea has been in my and a light meal. We decided to go for
mind for over 20 years as a retirement plan. As something a bit different with our tomyam The shop from which David and Lee Lee operate. – CELESTINE FOO/THESUN
age caught up, I thought of going into a beehoon and it has proven to be very popular.”
sustainable business and I thought it would be a Serving bubur cha cha, red bean, black serving it,” said David. “We put so much effort into preparing our
money making machine, but times have pulut, gandum, and barley with ginko nut and “It took a lot of trial and error. We food so it’s really not about making money. We
changed.” beancurd, the biggest challenge so far has experimented and improved based on feel satisfied each time a customer
Inspired by his friends who seemed to enjoy proven to be sourcing fresh santan (coconut suggestions of customers,” Lee Lee chimed in. compliments us, enjoys the food, and returns
cooking and sharing pictures of their dishes to milk). Their dense, flavourful yam cake sells like again. We have made many new friends from
their mutual Whatsapp groups, David began to “Our tong sui depends on fresh santan. We hot cakes here (pun intended). “It’s fifty percent this business,” Lee Lee said, her sense of
pitch his idea for a business. Lee Lee was the have been to a number of sources and yam and some customers even tell us we satisfaction showing through.
only person who immediately jumped into discovered that some santan just cannot last the should cut down on it to increase our profit! But David added on that the focus has evolved
action and helped set things in motion. day and we had to go back to only one source. no, it’s all about the quality”. into more of a customer relationship-based
Having no F&B background, the two had to Even though it costs a little bit more, it is the The well-loved tomyam beehoon is served business instead of a money-making one.
put in some extra work. They started off with only place we can trust. To make things even with a dash of fragrant chili sambal. The two of them also explained that they
location research. harder, markets are closed on Mondays and our “Making the sambal itself takes us four never expected to put in almost 16 hours a day
Describing a quiet place for people to sit source is from a wet market. We have to really hours, and that’s excluding the buying process. into their business, at the cost of sacrificing
down and enjoy food, their stall situated in a check the santan We handpick every chili to make sure it is fit for family time. Waking up at 7am every morning,
Chinese food shop along Jalan Dato b e f o r e consumption,” said David, adding that they begin food preparation and are ready to
Mahmud 11/4, Petaling Jaya, ticked all customers often request for the sambal to be load the food into the car by 11am. By noon, the
the boxes. sold by the bottle. store is ready to operate.
When it came down to Food quality is not the only selling point “Everything is done in the house,” David said
marketing, they relied on here. The low prices are an incredibly of the food preparation and the washing up.
word of mouth, pamphlet appealing aspect as well, given that most Upon arriving home at 8pm, they take a break
distribution, social full meals now cost upwards of RM10 in before having dinner. “Then, it’s time to start
media, and the shop the city. washing – a big chore,” said David.
owner who helped “In the shop where we operate, “It takes more than two hours,” Lee Lee
spread word about customers can get chee cheong fun chipped in.
their food to (steamed rice noodles) for only RM1 Immediately after, they began cleaning and
passersby. a piece so in some way, we feel preparing ingredients which require
The duo obliged to keep it that way,” said marination. The long, hard work goes on until
planned David. 2am, and then it is time for sleep.
everything in less Given that they are located Some of their regular customers also place
than a month. close to the University of Malaya bulk orders from them to be distributed to
David describes it Medical Centre, they also underprivileged communities. Although it
as “not requiring considered that patients and their leaves them little time to rest, the duo aim to
special planning families would drop by for a quick please.
and it felt like a bite, and felt they should have the “I have to acknowledge the tremendous
natural flow”. option of having a reasonably gratitude we have for the support of our many
The business priced meal. Both admit that their friends who come from places like Klang,
kicked off on July 15, profit margin is low, but explain that Kajang and even the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur.
2020, and the humble running such a low volume business Despite not having spoken for many years, they
menu has grown from The duo’s much-sought after yam cake. – CELESTINE FOO/THESUN also means that increasing their prices suddenly appear at my stall and it warms my
tong sui (desserts) and would not be profitable either. heart very much,” David concluded.

EDUCATION

19theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | JANUARY 25, 2022

Digitally driven

o Unlock the potential of digital economy with
UTAR’s degree programme

THE world’s economy is now professional and social contexts, such
digitally-driven and it has as the ability to find and select
been getting a lot of information, critical thinking,
attention, with increasingly teamwork and communication.”
strong headlines offering He added: “Upon completing the
momentous as well as incredibly programme, students will acquire a
exciting stories. In Malaysia, the comprehensive range of analytical,
nation takes the lead in key areas problem-solving, professional skills
such as digital adoption, digital and knowledge in application
entrepreneurship, digital innovation programming, cybersecurity,
and digital talent development to database development and
navigate today’s global digital applications, e-commerce, enterprise
economy needs. systems, business systems, web
In the process of making Malaysia development, financial technology,
into a digital economic capital, the etc.”
nation requires a pool of human When asked about the
capital with the right skills and programme’s uniqueness, FICT
training. Therefore, to ensure Deputy Dean for Student
Malaysians remain competitive, it is Development and Industrial Training
crucial to equip youths with digital Dr Choo Peng Yin said: “It is essential
skills so that they are prepared and for university-industry collaboration
pertinent for the future. in this day and age in order to keep
In view of this matter, Universiti abreast of the latest developments
Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) is and trends. As one of the Premier
intensifying its efforts to develop the Digital Tech Universities (PDTU), this
necessary human capital that will new programme is indeed an
redefine the nation’s digital economy initiative by UTAR to work with
by launching a new degree FICT’s industry partners to develop
programme, named Bachelor of industry-relevant syllabus and
Information Systems (Honours) materials for our digital technology
Digital Economy Technology, students. The popular domain technologies of digital economy.
beginning this year in the October “UTAR continues to expand its
Trimester. effort to collaborate with the industry Other benefits of UTAR Bachelor 0 Integration of the innovation courses in undergraduate and
Parked under UTAR’s Faculty of because we want to develop our of Information Systems (Honours) process of products and services via postgraduate programmes in
Information and Communication students’ computational thinking Digital Economy Technology digital economy activities Accountancy, Actuarial Science,
Technology (FICT), the newly which allows them to explore the programme include: 0 Provides competitive talents in an Applied Mathematics, Arts, Chinese
launched degree programme has fundamental concepts of computer 0 An integrated curriculum covering integrated market with integrated Studies, Malaysia Studies, Business
been developed in response to the science and digital making.” industrial and digital technology platforms in the RCEP region and Economics, Biotechnology,
increasing role of technology and He added: “The programme also across socioeconomic activities Selected career options after Engineering and Build Environment,
digital resources in business, includes an industrial attachment for 0 An interdisciplinary programme of graduation: Information and Communication
administration and other fields of the students, as well as attachment study combining economics, Business Intelligence Specialist Technology, Life and Physical
work as well as socioeconomic status. and mutual visits by staff members management and information Business System Administrator Sciences, Medicine and Health
UTAR FICT Dean Assoc Prof Ts Dr for research or curriculum technology, health care, financial, Data/Business Analyst Sciences, Media and Journalism,
Liew Soung Yue explained: “UTAR’s development in the companies. property, communication and etc. Digital Entrepreneur Education and General Studies,
Bachelor of Information Systems This would serve as a platform for 0 Creates a catalyst mindset for the Functional Consultant Agriculture and Food Science, and
(Honours) Digital Economy students and staff to explore their next phase of the economy, as many IT Business Development engages in the provision and conduct
Technology is a three-year strengths in areas, namely Internet of industries are already embracing Consultant/Manager of research, consultation,
programme that aims to equip Things (IoT), Data Science, digital economy IT Customer Support management and leadership training
students with digital competencies Cybersecurity and Artificial 0 An exposure in digital economy IT Project Executive/Manager and other related educational
such as basic programming or data Intelligence. On top of that, our ecosystems, both in the East (eg: The System Development Engineer services at its campuses at Bandar
analysis and visualisation skills, students will also be able to hone Regional Comprehensive Economic Web Platform Developer Sungai Long and Kampar in
which are essential to thrive in their innovation, leadership, Partnership (RCEP) economies, Malaysia. Visit www.utar.edu.my or
today’s job market; and transferable communication, collaboration and especially China) and the West (the UTAR is a university offering call 05-468 8888 (Kampar Campus),
skills, applicable in various entrepreneurial skills.” US and Europe) 03-9086 0288 (Sungai Long Campus).

The exterior of
UTAR’s FICT.

EDUCATION

20 theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | JANUARY 25, 2022

Arriving with the internet of things
o MSU offers a wide range of flexible learning
programmes for working adults to upskill
themselves

INFORMATION technology and geeks were no longer pre-requisite.
the Internet have brought As computers become smaller and
humans tremendous power.
Together, they have become an more portable, their brains are being
important infrastructure for life in a embedded into everyday things – the
modern world, and provided many Internet of Things (IoT). Increasingly
with the only way to go to school, equipped with sensors and Internet-
work, or see family and friends safe connected, they receive, store, and
during the COVID-19 pandemic. send data – whose analysis holds the
The internet is not a thing in itself promise of performance
but is a user interface with a set of optimization.
protocols connecting local networks.
January 1983 is considered to be the Empowerment brought on by the
beginning of the Internet, though the Internet has been nothing but
term had been used before that. transformative. In teaching and
ARPANET (Advanced Research learning, Massive Open Online
Projects Agency Network) had not Courses (MOOC) throw open the
been connecting networks as much door to knowledge-hungry learners.
as it had been connecting computers, No less impressive is the innovation
and it prohibited commercial traffic. possible on mobile platforms – apps,
The need for commercial for example.
connectivity spurred the
development of the commercial Net MNRB Head of DevOps for Group
and the growth of Internet service Strategy and Innovations Mohd Mohd Khairul
providers. In 1971, ARPANET had Khairul Hairi Mazlan talks about the Hairi Mazlan.
only 20 computers. Today, some 900 app he is developing.
million computers are connected to
“It’ll be the first API-driven high-
tech mobile web for insurance
companies in Malaysia.”

the Internet. Recipient of the Industry Award in University (MSU) promotes
Communication between the MSU’s 12th convocation excellence and advances quality
computers used to be geek territory, ceremony for Best Project during his education, with a culture of industry
with emails assuming the form of Bachelor in Computer Science and entrepreneurship embedded
character streams that had to be (Hons) years at Management and ecosystems, research, innovation,
typed in with formatting knowledge. Science University (MSU), Mohd technology within the high-
Protocols and software for the World Khairul, who is currently studying for performance culture within the
Wide Web were rolled out only in the a Master in Business Administration university.
early 1990s, bringing with it a at MSU’s Graduate School of MSU offers breakthrough ways for
graphical user interface (GUI) so Management (GSM), reminisces working adults wishing to further
about having his life transformed by their studies. A wide range of
the digital revolution. For him who programmes is offered with the
professes to be under-performing in student’s convenience as well as their
his studies pre-MSU, turning educational and professional
successful in his career through hard backgrounds in mind.
work and higher education has been In all, as an applied, enterprise,
a lesson he wishes to pass on to future holistic and international university,
generations. MSU offers foundation,
“Anybody can be whoever they undergraduate, postgraduate and
want to be if they are willing to work flexible programs through an entry
for it and get an education. Seek help system that facilitates admission of
and trust your institution. Learn as students from all walks of life, where it
much as you can. My final-year aims to TRANSFORM LIVES and
project at MSU’s Faculty of ENRICH FUTURES.
Information Sciences and
Engineering (FISE) involved For a full range and information of
programming, and my supervisor postgraduate programme at MSU
was extremely generous with help. I
not only received his full-on through the Graduate School of
supervision but also kindness and Management (GSM), please contact
care in ensuring my success.”
A known name in higher 03-5521 6868 or email us at
education, Management and Science [email protected]. For additional

information, visit the website at
www.msu.edu.my.

EDUCATION
FOCUS 2022

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21theSUN ON TUESDAY | JANUARY 25, 2022

* SPORTS

De Kock sets up
OOtthheerr PPrrooppeerrttiieess 330022 JJoobbss Proteas clean sweep
221100 ffoorr SSaallee // RReenntt
WE ARE HIRING
Property For Sale: FORMER captain Quinton de Kock hit a seam and spin bowlers.
Only for Bumiputeras Manager – Finance and HR sparkling century to set up a four-run De Kock, who was named player of the
win for South Africa in the third one-
HS(D) 239963, Job Description: day international against India at match and player of the series, said of the
PT 9589, Newlands in Cape Town yesterday. pitch, “It wasn’t flat at all. It was the kind of
Pekan • To handle full set of accounts following accounting principles, compliance with wicket where you were never really in.”
applicable standards and regulations. South Africa completed a 3-0 clean sweep
Baru Sungai Buloh, in the series but not before what captain India were on track for victory while
Daerah Petaling, • Prepare & oversee full spectrum of accounting, month-end closing, year-end Temba Bavuma described as a “crazy” finish. Shikhar Dhawan (61) and Virat Kohli (65)
Negeri Selangor. closing, audit schedules, tax, stock control, etc. were together during a second-wicket stand of
The hosts seemed set for a comfortable 98
Price: RM910,000.00 • Responsible for management, statutory and group reporting requirements. win when India lost their seventh wicket when
Call: Messrs K. • Responsible for finding solutions and resolving daily operational issues if any. they were still 65 runs short of their 288-run But Shikhar and Risabh Pant fell to Andile
Chandra & Co. • Responsible for the development of business plans, budget and cash flow target. Phelukwayo in the same over and the odds
(03-20728686). swung firmly towards South Africa when Virat
No brokers. forecast. Deepak Chahar, playing in his first match was caught at cover off left-arm spinner
• Periodically review financial reports and identify opportunities for cost reduction. of the tour, thrashed 54 off 34 balls and took Keshav Maharaj.
• Ensure internal control and accounting control procedures are in place. India to within 10 runs of victory with three
• Administer credit control and debt collection. overs remaining. India coach Rahul Dravid said the one-day
• Responsible for Finance audit and tax matters. series was an “eye-opener,” but expects his
• Oversee the recruitment and selection process to attract, recruit and retain But Chahar sliced a catch to cover off Lungi team to improve before next year’s World Cup.
Ngidi and the last three wickets fell for five
talents. runs. “We’ve not played a lot of one-day cricket
• To manage payroll system, staff benefit, yearly performance and appraisal. since the last World Cup,” said Rahul.
• Develop, design & implement of HR policies to support the company business De Kock, who handed over the white ball
captaincy last March to Temba Bavuma, made “We’ve got a fair bit of time to go before the
objectives and compliance with law and regulatory. 124 off 130 balls and made batting look easy World Cup. I think it’s a good time to reflect
• To handle disciplinary matter including staffs counselling, grievances handling, on a pitch which offered some help to both and learn. We will get better and improve.” –
AFP
domestic inquires & termination process & other industrial relation procedures in
332222 NNoottiicceess compliances with local Labour Law. England survive scare to beat Windies
• To handle standard HR letters, documents, memorandums and other
correspondences, such as warning letters, appointment letters, confirmation ENGLAND overcame a late-order rally by West Indies, who had slumped to 65 for
letters and related correspondence as requested. Romario Shepherd and Akeal Hosein to beat seven, needed 30 to win off the last over,
• Other administration duties where required and part of the scope. the West Indies by just one run in the second bowled by Saqib.
• Any other duties as assigned by the superior/ management from time to time. Twenty20 international at Bridgetown
yesterday. The paceman started the over with a wide
Requirements: and was lucky not to be called again with his
The West Indies appeared down and out next delivery.
• Candidate must process at least Professional or Degree in Finance / when they needed 61 runs from the final three
Accountancy or equivalent. overs to reach a target of 172, with only two England captain Eoin Morgan was pleased
wickets standing. by the way a team, without several T20
• At least 5 Year(s) managerial / supervising of working experience in audit, regulars, clung on to victory.
financial accounting and HR. But from 111 for eight, Shepherd and
Hosein, who both made 44 not out in an “I was delighted and even with the last
• Familiar with Accpac, ERP Accounting & HR software would be an added unbroken stand of 72, almost denied England quarter, with a relatively inexperienced
advantage. the win that levelled the five-match series at 1- international side, those are the games you
1. want to play in,” he said.
• Computer literate and knowledgeable of Ms Excel, Word & Power Point.
• Good command of written and spoken in English. Proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia Chris Jordan and Saqib Mahmood were But Kieron Pollard was proud of the fight
repeatedly hit for boundaries, although the shown by his side. “I can see the confidence
& Mandarin will be an added advantage. recalled Reece Topley conceded just eight runs with the guys in the changing room,” he said.
in the 19th over. “We will have days like this but my thing is the
Office based in Petaling Jaya (5 days a week) fight that the guys continue to show.”

Send in your CV with your photo via email to : West Indies’ Akeal Hosein
[email protected] (left) and Romario Shepherd
in action during the 2nd T20

match against England at
Kensington Oval, Barbados

yesterday. – AFPPIX

NOTIS JUALAN SECARA LELONG AWAM 332222 NNoottiicceess 332222 NNoottiicceess
Akta Pemagang Pajak-Gadai(81)1972

Sandaran-sandaran yang tidak ditebus Pemegang IINN TTHHEE HHIIGGHH CCOOUURRTT OOFF IINN TTHHEE MMAATTTTEERR OOFF
Pajak Gadai yang tersebut dibawah ini yang mana MMAALLAAYYAA AATT SSHHAAHH AALLAAMM TTHHEE CCOOMMPPAANNIIEESS AACCTT 22001166
sandaran-sandaran itu telah di-gadaikan dalam CCOOMMPPAANNIIEESS ((WWIINNDDIINNGG--UUPP))
tempoh seperti di bawah Akan Di-jual Dengan NNOO:: BBAA--2288NNCCCC--229999--0066//22002211 AANNDD IINN TTHHEE MMAATTTTEERR OOFF
Lelong Umum Di No 124-A Jalan Jelutong, 11600 IInntthheemmaatttteerrooffCCoommppaanniieessAAcctt,,22001166.. SSYYAARRIIKKAATT NNAAMM LLEEOONNGG
Penang. Pada Hari 7hb Februari 2022, Waktu
3.30pm. AAnndd TTRRAADDIINNGG SSDDNN..BBHHDD..
IInn tthhee mmaatttteerr ooff tthhee CCoommppaanniieess ((WWiinnddiinngg--UUpp)) 119977330011000000885577 ((1144334422--WW))
NEGERI PULAU PINANG RRuulleess22001188 ((IInn MMeemmbbeerrss’’ VVoolluunnttaarryy WWiinnddiinngg UUpp))
AAtt aa GGeenneerraall MMeeeettiinngg ooff tthhee MMeemmbbeerrss
NNoo.. NNAAMMAA PPAAJJAAKK GGAADDAAII TTEEMMPPOOHH GGAADDAAIIAANN SSAANNDDAARRAANN AAnndd ooff tthhee aabboovveennaammeedd CCoommppaannyy hheelldd
IInntthheemmaatttteerrooffAARRKKYYBBIINNAASSDDNNBBHHDD((CCOOMMPPAANNYY oonn 1199--0011--22002222,, tthhee ffoollloowwiinngg ssppeecciiaall
AALLAAMMAATT PPAAJJAAKK--GGAADDAAII YYAANNGGAAKKAANN DDIILLEELLOONNGG NNOO..220000000011001144668811)) rreessoolluuttiioonn wwaass dduullyy ppaasssseedd::--
11 PPaajjaakk GGaaddaaii SShheenngg LLoonn NNoovv 22002200 ––AApprr 2211 ““TTHHAATT tthhee CCoommppaannyy bbee wwoouunndd uupp
((BBaayyaann BBaarruu)) SSddnn BBhhdd BBEETTWWEEEENN vvoolluunnttaarriillyy ppuurrssuuaanntt ttoo sseeccttiioonn 443399((11)) AJ to step aside for Fury vs Usyk
5544 JJaallaannTTeennggaahh,,TTaammaann SSrrii LLPPVVFFUURRNNIITTUURREESSDDNNBBHHDD ((bb)) ooff tthhee CCoommppaanniieess AAcctt 22001166 aanndd
TTuunnaass,,1111995500 BBaayyaann LLeeppaass,, ((CCOOMMPPAANNYYNNOO..220000660011000022115555)) tthhaatt MMrr.. LLaaii CChhuunngg EEnn aanndd MMss.. CChhaann
PPeennaanngg BBeeee LLeeee ((ff)) ooff SSttaannlleeyyCCoo CCoorrppoorraattee ANTHONY JOSHUA looks set to promoter Bob Arum confirmed
……PPEETTIITTIIOONNEERR SSeerrvviicceess SSddnn.. BBhhdd..,,SSuuiittee 1155,,66tthh FFlloooorr,, receive a bumper £15m (RM87m) last week that talks were
Sandaran-sandaran tersebut boleh diperiksa AANNDD IIOOII BBuussiinneessss PPaarrkk,, BBaannddaarr PPuucchhoonngg paycheck in order to allow Tyson ongoing over Joshua potentially
dengan Pemegang Pajak Gadai AARRKKYYBBIINNAASSDDNNBBHHDD JJaayyaa,,4477117700 PPuucchhoonngg,,SSeellaannggoorr bbee aanndd Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk to take stepping aside.
berkenaan diatas pada 25hb Januari 2022 ((CCOOMMPPAANNYYNNOO..220000000011001144668811)) aarree hheerreebbyy aappppooiinntteedd aass LLiiqquuiiddaattoorrss place next for all the marbles.
sehingga 3 Februari 2022, pukul 10.00 Pagi ffoorr tthhee ppuurrppoossee ooff ssuucchh wwiinnddiinngg uupp AJ himself has shown a
sehingga 4.00 Petang sebelum tarikh jualan ……RREESSPPOONNDDEENNTT wwiitthh aalll ppoowweerrss ggiivveenn uunnddeerr sseeccttiioonn The two-time world willingness to move out of the
lelong itu AADDVVEERRTTIISSEEMMEENNTTOOFFPPEETTIITTIIOONN 445566 aanndd tthhee EElleevveenntthh SScchheedduullee ooff tthhee champion has been left to lick way, permitting he receives a
NNOOTTIICCEE iiss hheerreebbyy ggiivveenn tthhaatt aa PPeettiittiioonn ffoorr tthhee CCoommppaanniieess AAcctt 22001166..”” his wounds since he was significant payoff and a
Chin Siew Wah Licensed Auctioneer wwiinnddiinngg--uupp ooff tthhee aabboovveennaammeedd CCoommppaannyy bbyy DDaatteedd tthhiiss 2255--0011--22002222 outboxed by the slick Ukrainian guaranteed shot at the winner.
Pelelong Berlesen tthhee HHiigghh CCoouurrtt wwaass,, oonn tthhee 1155tthh ddaayy ooff JJuunnee LLEEEE MMIINN SSEEEE ((FF)) southpaw at the Tottenham
22002211 pprreesseenntteedd bbyy LLPPVV FFUURRNNIITTUURREE SSDDNN BBHHDD.. DDiirreeccttoorr Hotspur Stadium back in Now The Telegraph are
Advertise with us & connect to our urban readers. AAnndd tthhaatt tthhee ssaaiidd PPeettiittiioonn iiss ddiirreecctteedd ttoo bbee September when Usyk reigned reporting that Joshua looks set
hheeaarrdd bbeeffoorree tthhee CCoouurrtt ssiittttiinngg aatt SShhaahhAAllaamm aatt IINN TTHHEE MMAATTTTEERR OOFF supreme on the scorecards by to accept a proposal of around
MALACCA KLANG VALLEY JOHOR BAHRU 99::0000oo’’cclloocckkiinntthheeffoorreennoooonn,,oonn tthhee77tthhddaayyooff TTHHEE CCOOMMPPAANNIIEESS AACCTT 22001166 unanimous decision. £15m.
MR. Rajah PENANG | KEDAH MS. Anne Lim FFeebbrruuaarryy 22002222 aanndd aannyy ccrreeddiittoorr oorr ccoonnttrriibbuuttoorryy
TEL: 012-628 2844 PERAK | PERLIS TEL: 013-770 6699 ooff tthhee ssaaiidd ccoommppaannyy ddeessiirriinngg ttoo ssuuppppoorrtt oorr AANNDD IINN TTHHEE MMAATTTTEERR OOFF Since then, Joshua has been Later this year, he would then
ooppppoossee tthhee mmaakkiinngg ooff aann oorrddeerr oonn tthhee ssaaiidd SSYYAARRIIKKAATT NNAAMM LLEEOONNGG eagerly awaiting his shot at be in with a shot at the winner
FAX: 06-764 2051 PAHANG | FAX: 07-355 5549 PPeettiittiioonn mmaayy aappppeeaarr aatt tthhee ttiimmee ooff hheeaarriinngg bbyy revenge but so far, negotiations for all the titles.
KELANTAN hhiimmsseellff oorr hhiiss CCoouunnsseell ffoorr tthhaatt ppuurrppoossee;; aanndd TTRRAADDIINNGG SSDDNN..BBHHDD.. have struggled to get off the
TERENGGANU aa ccooppyy ooff tthhee PPeettiittiioonn wwiilll bbee ffuurrnniisshheedd ttoo aannyy 119977330011000000885577 ((1144334422--WW)) ground. Joshua’s rematch with Usyk
MS. Shoba ccrreeddiittoorr oorr ccoonnttrriibbuuttoorryy ooff tthhee ssaaiidd CCoommppaannyy ((IInn MMeemmbbeerrss’’ VVoolluunnttaarryy WWiinnddiinngg UUpp)) looked set to land in London
TEL: 03-7784 8888 rreeqquuiirriinngg tthhee ssaammee bbyy tthhee uunnddeerrssiiggnneedd oonn NNoottiicceeiisshheerreebbyyggiivveenntthhaatttthheeCCrreeddiittoorrss Eddie Hearn confirmed in once again while the Ukrainian is
FAX: 03-7784 4424 ppaayymmeennttoofftthheerreegguullaatteeddcchhaarrggeeffoorrtthheessaammee.. ooff tthhee aabboovvee CCoommppaannyy,, wwhhiicchh iiss bbeeiinngg December that Joshua had expected to fight the Gypsy King
TThhee PPeettiittiioonneerr’’ss aaddddrreessss iiss SSuuiittee 22110088,, LLeevveell vvoolluunnttaarriillyy wwoouunndd uupp,, aarree rreeqquuiirreedd oonn triggered his rematch clause to in the Middle East.
2211,, PPllaazzaa PPeennggkkaallaann,, JJaallaann TTiioonngg,, BBaattuu 33 oorr bbeeffoorree 2255--0022--22002222 ttoo sseenndd iinn tthheeiirr face Usyk for a second time but a
JJaallaann IIppoohh,, 5511110000 KKuuaallaa LLuummppuurr,, WWiillaayyaahh nnaammeess aanndd aaddddrreesssseess wwiitthh ppaarrttiiccuullaarrss date is yet to have been agreed. Dillian Whyte is also part of
PPeerrsseekkuuttuuaannMMaallaayyssiiaa.. ooff tthheeiirr ddeebbttss aanndd ccllaaiimmss aanndd ooff aannyy the equation as his gruelling wait
TThhee PPeettiittiioonneerr’’ss SSoolliicciittoorr iiss MMeessssrrss sseeccuurriittyy hheelldd bbyy tthheemm aanndd tthhee nnaammeess Out of the blue, Fury’s for a world title shot rumbles on.
SSuubbrraammaanniiaamm && SShhaaffiiqq,, ooff NNoo.. 22 LLoorroonngg aanndd aaddddrreesssseess ooff tthheeiirr SSoolliicciittoorrss ((iiff – Express Newspapers
BBeerrjjaayyaa,,PPuullaauuTTiikkuuss,,1100335500 GGeeoorrggeettoowwnn,,PPuullaauu aannyy)) ttoo tthhee uunnddeerrssiiggnneedd LLiiqquuiiddaattoorrss aatt
PPiinnaanngg.. SSuuiittee 1155,, 66tthh FFlloooorr,, IIOOII BBuussiinneessss PPaarrkk,,
……………………………………………………………………………….. BBaannddaarr PPuucchhoonngg JJaayyaa,,4477117700 PPuucchhoonngg,,
MMeessssrrssSSuubbrraammaanniiaamm&&SShhaaffiiqq SSeellaannggoorr aanndd iiff ssoo rreeqquuiirreedd bbyy nnoottiiccee iinn
wwrriittiinngg ffrroomm tthhee ssaaiidd LLiiqquuiiddaattoorrss aarreebbyy
SSoolliicciittoorrssffoorrtthheePPeettiittiioonneerr tthheeiirr SSoolliicciittoorrss oorr ppeerrssoonnaalllyy ttoo ccoommee
NNOOTTEE:: AAnnyy ppeerrssoonn wwhhoo iinntteennddss ttoo aappppeeaarr oonn aanndd pprroovvee tthheeiirr ddeebbttss oorr ccllaaiimmss aatt ssuucchh
tthhee hheeaarriinngg ooff tthhee ssaaiidd PPeettiittiioonn mmuusstt sseerrvvee oonn ttiimmee aanndd ppllaaccee aass sshhaalll bbee ssppeecciiffiieedd iinn
oorr sseenndd bbyy ppoosstt ttoo tthhee aabboovveennaammeedd MMeessssrrss ssuucchh nnoottiiccee oorr iinn ddeeffaauulltt tthheerreeooff tthheeyy
SSuubbrraammaanniiaamm && SShhaaffiiqq,, nnoottiiccee iinn wwrriittiinngg ooff wwiilllbbeeeexxcclluuddeeddffrroommtthheebbeenneeffiittooffaannyy
hhiiss iinntteennttiioonn ssoo ttoo ddoo.. TThhee nnoottiiccee mmuusstt ssttaattee ddiissttrriibbuuttiioonn mmaaddee bbeeffoorree ssuucchh ddeebbttss oorr
tthhee nnaammeedd aanndd aaddddrreessss ooff tthhee ppeerrssoonn,, oorr,, iiff aa ccllaaiimmss aarree pprroovveedd..
ffiirrmm,, tthhee nnaammee aanndd aaddddrreessss ooff tthhee ffiirrmm aanndd DDaatteedd tthhiiss 2255--0011--22002222
mmuusstt bbee ssiiggnneedd bbyy tthhee ppeerrssoonn oorr ffiirrmm oorr hhiiss CCHHAANN BBEEEE LLEEEE ((FF))
oorr tthheeiirr SSoolliicciittoorrss ((iiff aannyy)) aanndd mmuusstt bbee sseerrvveedd,, LLAAII CCHHUUNNGG EENN
oorr iiff ppoosstteedd,,mmuusstt bbee sseenntt bbyy ppoosstt iinn ssuuffffiicciieenntt LLiiqquuiiddaattoorrss
ttiimmee ttoo rreeaacchh tthhee aabboovvee nnaammeedd nnoott llaatteerr tthhaann
1122::0000 oo’’cclloocckk iinn tthhee nnoooonn ooff tthhee 44tthh ddaayy ooff
FFeebbrruuaarryy22002222..
TThhiiss AADDVVEERRTTIISSEEMMEENNTT OOFF PPEETTIITTIIOONN iiss ffiilleedd
bbyy MMeesssseerrss SSuubbrraammaanniiaamm && SShhaaffiiqq,, aass tthhee
ssoolliicciittoorrss ffoorr tthhee PPeettiittiioonneerr ooff NNoo.. NNoo.. 22 LLoorroonngg
BBeerrjjaayyaa,,PPuullaauuTTiikkuuss,,1100335500 GGeeoorrggeettoowwnn,,PPuullaauu
PPiinnaanngg..
((RReeff..NNoo::SSSSKKLL//2200--331133//AARRKKYY//CCVVLL))

22 theSUN ON TUESDAY | JANUARY 25, 2022 READ OUR HERE SCAN
SPORTS ME
/thesundaily
DANIIL MEDVEDEV admitted to playing
mind games in a bid to knock Maxime Russian theatrics
Cressy off his stride after the American Down Under
serve-volleyer proved hard to beat in a
stifling fourth round clash at the Australian Open Medvedev admits playing mind games to reach quarterfinals
yesterday.
Felix Auger-Aliassime. Medvedev picked a fight with chair umpire compatriot Denis Shapovalov in the quarterfinals,
In oppressive heat at Margaret Court Arena, “I just had so many break points. I just wanted Renaud Lichtenstein after apparently being the first time multiple Canadian men have
Medvedev claimed a taxing 6-2, 7-6(4), 6-7(4), 7-5 refused a request to leave the court to freshen up. reached the last eight at a Grand Slam.
win over the French-born Cressy but lost his cool to make one,” said second seed Medvedev, the
after dropping the third set and began venting his tournament favourite in the absence of the He barked at the Frenchman that the Shapovalov will try to end Rafa Nadal’s bid for
frustration loudly. deported Novak Djokovic. “I was like, ‘when well American was allowed too much time between a record 21st Grand Slam title today.
this end?.’” serves.
The Russian second seed shouted “this is so “It’s a great showing for Canada,” said Auger-
boring” as Cressy held firm at 1-1 in the final set The rangy Russian is not shy of confrontation, After struggling against Cressy’s throw-back Aliassime, who combined with Shapovalov to win
and later roared “this is my unluckiest day ever” having criticised sections of the home crowd after game, Medvedev may be relieved to face the more the team-based ATP Cup in the leadup to
when a shot hit the net-cord and dropped on his beating Nick Kyrgios earlier in the tournament, an conventional baseline game of ninth seed Auger- Melbourne Park.
side. echo of his long-running feud with fans at the Aliassime, who outlasted Croatian veteran Marin
2019 US Open. Cilic 2-6, 7-6(7), 6-2, 7-6(4) at John Cain Arena. “Even though we’re not originally a country of
“I was trying to get into his head so maybe he tennis, I think now we really are. We have shown
changed his tactics,” Medvedev told broadcaster After dropping the third set against Cressy, Auger-Aliassime, 21, joined 22-year-old that over and over again.” – Reuters
Eurosport of his histrionics. “I’m not happy with
what I said.” Sky’s the limit now for veteran Cornet Swiatek grinds

Medvedev saw eight successive break points past Cirstea
slip through his fingers in the final set until finally
taking Cressy’s serve in the 11th game. Alize Cornet hits a return AN emotional Iga Swiatek battled
against Simona Halep into her third Grand Slam quarterfinal
He slipped a forehand past Cressy on the ninth (unseen) during their and first at the Australian Open as she
break point and then served out the match in a women’s singles match ground past resurgent Romanian
hurry to book a quarterfinal against Canadian on day eight of the Sorana Cirstea yesterday.
Australian Open in
PIN HIGH Melbourne yesterday. The seventh-seeded former
Kang wins Tournament – AFPPIX French Open champion encountered
of Champions stiff resistance from the world No. 38
AT THE start of the year, Alize “I’m not going to stop now,” Collins also had to dig deep in before coming through 5-7, 6-3, 6-3
DANIELLE KANG fired a 4-under 68 to win Cornet said she was considering the Frenchwoman told reporters. fierce heat to get past Elise on Margaret Court Arena.
the season-opening LPGA Tournament of retirement at the end of the 2022 “I’m still ambitious. Mertens 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.
Champions in Florida yesterday as world season but after reaching her first Still just 20, Swiatek has been
No. 1 Nelly Korda faded from contention. major quarterfinal at the “I just have to soak it in, like, Cornet said she was looking remarkably consistent in the majors.
Kang, who started the final round one Australian Open yesterday, the take time to appreciate the forward to playing the 28-year- The match against Cirstea was a sixth
shot adrift of Korda, reeled off six birdies 32-year-old said the sky was now moment and be proud of what I old Collins, ranked 30th. consecutive appearance in the
and two bogeys to finish with a 16-under the limit. did today. But definitely from second week of a Grand Slam, going
272 after 72 holes at the Lake Nona Golf tomorrow I will have to think “She’s like a lion,” Cornet said. back to her 2020 title run at the
and Country Club in Orlando. It was the Making her 63rd main-draw about my next match and how I “Oh my God, she impresses French Open.
29-year-old’s first LPGA title since her appearance at a Grand Slam, can go farther in the tournament. me a little bit because she’s like
victory at the Marathon Classic in 2020, Cornet finally got beyond the so intense, I’m intense too but I “This match was so much energy
taking her tally of career victories to six. fourth round when she survived “The sky’s the limit. I mean, I think she’s next-level intense. and it was hard to stay calm,” said
Canada’s Brooke Henderson, who carded a stifling heat to outlast former really want to be ambitious on She’s hitting so hard. Swiatek, who was tearful at the end.
closing 2-under 70, finished three shots world No. 1 Simona Halep 6-4, 3- this slam. For the first time in my “This is going to be a good “During the match my stress level was
adrift on 13-under, one ahead of Mexico’s 6, 6-4 and set up a meeting with life, I really believe I can go till the match. I’m really happy to play high. I cry when I lose and I cry when I
Gaby Lopez, who could only card a level- American Danielle Collins. end. I think that’s what makes a against this kind of player.” – win,” she added.
par 72 in her final round. Nelly Korda’s difference.” Reuters
sister Jessica was in seventh place with a Swiatek was heavily favoured, but
closing 72, finishing on eight under at 280. the Romanian was coming off a great
win against 10th-seeded Russian
Pieters seals Abu Dhabi Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and
success caused her serious trouble.

BELGIUM’S Thomas Pieters enjoyed a She broke Swiatek on her first
“fun” final round at the Abu Dhabi game and while the Pole levelled at
Championship yesterday to seal his 4-4, she was broken again by the
second title in three starts. As India’s power and precision of Cirstea’s
Shubhankar Sharma rued a missed putt groundstrokes to lose the set.
and Rory McIlroy’s challenge petered out
tamely, Pieters made one birdie and one Swiatek stepped up a level in the
bogey in an even-par round of 72 to finish second set to fight back. The pair
on 10-under 278. “When you’re in control exchanged breaks before the 20-year-
of your ball flight and the golf ball, it’s fun. old pounced again for a 4-2 lead and
You know, you can be creative and that’s clung on to take the match in the
how I felt out there today,” said Pieters, decider. – AFP
who turns 30 in four days’ time. Sharma
(71) and Spain’s Rafael Cabrera Bello (70) Perlis stuns field at PNAGS TEAM PERLIS overcame the odds players knew they had to dig
tied for second. Overnight leader Scott to be crowned champions at the deep to beat the other states.
Jamieson faded away to share 10th FROM LEFT: Mohd Shkiran Johari, Nizammuddin Mat Kasim, Zulkifli National Final of the Perodua Their fighting spirit was amazing
following a 77. Further back in a tie for Said, Bakri Baharum and Fauzei Osman. National Amateur Golf Series as they wanted to fly the state
12th after creeping into the top five at one (PNAGS) which was held at the flag at the final.”
point came McIlroy. He signed for a round Forest City Golf Course in Gelang
of 69 after three bogeys in his last five Patah, Johor over the weekend. With Zulkifli Said, Bakri
holes. Baharum, Fauzei Osman and
Despite coming from a state Nizammuddin in the team, Mohd
Swafford captures with only one golf course (the Shkiran ensured they got a feel of
second La Quinta win Putra Golf Club in Kangar) and a the Forest City course before the
smaller pool of amateur golfers final.
HUDSON SWAFFORD roared to his third than others states, Perlis pulled
PGA Tour victory yesterday, shooting a off a feat to win the keenly fought “We came to the national final
final round 64 to win The American final. venue two days before the
Express by two strokes over runner-up showdown to play the course and
Tom Hoge. Swafford capped his roller- Led by captain Mohd Shkiran learn how to take it on,” he said.
coaster final round with his first par on the Johari, Perlis came prepared, with
back nine at the 18th hole after seizing the team members holding daily Being prepared paid dividend
control with an eagle on 16 and a birdie training at the driving range and for Perlis, and Nizammuddin was
on 17 in the California desert. The 34-year- practice rounds at the Kangar full of praises for the organiser
old American also had four birdies and course in the run-up to the Final and the venue.
two bogeys on his back nine to finish with at Forest City.
a 23-under 265 and post his second “Forest city is one of the best
victory at the La Quinta Country Club to “We knew we are up against courses in the south of the
go along with his 2017 win. “To win twice bigger teams where they have so country,” he said, adding that it
is pretty amazing,” said Swafford. “I had a many good amateur players in has a beautiful landscape.
good par on the last. I was hitting it so the state,” player Nizammuddin
good all day. “I was just trying to stay a Mat Kasim told theSun. Nizammuddin lauded the
little taller in my posture. The way I have organiser for offering amateurs a
been rolling it this week I knew if I just “We had to up our game and platform to play competitively.
kept giving myself chances I would be the team spirit shown by our “PNAGS is helping to revive the
fine.” players was amazing. All the golf industry that has been hit by
the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.

FOLLOW ON TWITTER SCAN 23theSUN ON TUESDAY | JANUARY 25, 2022
ME * SPORTS
@thesundaily

RESULTS & STANDINGS Sluggish Gunners SIDENETTING
Ramos scores
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: Arsenal 0 Arteta bemoans slow and leggy Arsenal after Burnley stalemate as PSG cruise
Burnley 0, Chelsea 2 (Ziyech 47, Silva 55)
Tottenham 0, Crystal Palace 1 (Edouard SERGIO RAMOS scored his first
55) Liverpool 3 (Van Dijk 8, Oxlade-Cham- Paris St-Germain goal as they
berlain 32, Fabinho 89-pen), Leicester 1 overcame Reims to continue
(Daka 46) Brighton 1 (Welbeck 82). their dominance of Ligue 1.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side had
P W D L F A PTS █ MARK MANN-BRYANS takes long, it is their game and you have to respect that.” laboured a little until Marco
Man City 23 18 3 2 55 14 57 Burnley were back in action following a prolonged Verratti fired in off the post
Liverpool 22 14 6 2 58 19 48 MIKEL ARTETA bemoaned a “slow” and moments before halftime.
Chelsea 24 13 8 3 48 18 47 “leggy” Arsenal performance before casting break, having not played a League game in over three Ramos forced a save then
Man Utd 22 11 5 6 36 30 38 doubt over any January signings as the weeks. converted the rebound after the
West Ham 23 11 4 8 41 31 37 Gunners were held to a goalless stalemate break and a Wout Faes own goal
Arsenal 21 11 3 7 33 25 36 by Premier League bottom side Burnley Sean Dyche felt the battling draw is something to made the win certain. Danilo
Tottenham 20 11 3 6 26 24 36 build on as they look to move towards safety in the side-footed a fourth via a
Wolves 21 10 4 7 19 17 34 The Clarets have seen a host of games postponed coming weeks. deflection and PSG now sit 11
Brighton 22 6 12 4 23 23 30 this month due to not having enough players available points clear at the top of the
Leicester 20 7 5 8 34 37 26 and fell to the foot of the table as their rivals were able to “It is a building block, you want to move in the right Ligue 1 table. “We had a good
Aston Villa 21 8 2 11 28 32 26 fulfil fixtures. direction, we just felt it was appropriate to get them right game, we took three points,”
Southampton 22 5 10 7 26 34 25 back to the basics,” he said. Pochettino said. Goalscorer
Crystal Palace 22 5 9 8 31 34 24 Wins for fellow relegation candidates Norwich and Ramos added: “I am happy to
Brentford 23 6 5 12 26 41 23 Newcastle earlier in the weekend only heaped pressure “It gives us a nice platform to keep building on that have played 90 minutes and I
Leeds 21 5 7 9 24 40 22 on Burnley, but Sean Dyche’s side battled to a hard- performance because I thought the mentality and the am personally happy because it
Everton 20 5 4 11 24 35 19 fought point against a below-par Arsenal. performance was spot on coming to a place like this. is my first goal with PSG, I hope
Norwich 22 4 4 14 13 45 16 there will be many more.”
Newcastle 21 2 9 10 21 43 15 The Gunners are still without a win in 2022 with their “With all the situations around the performance
Watford 20 4 2 14 23 40 14 top-four ambitions faltering and their exit from the two today, it has been very, very difficult. Bayern restore
Burnley 18 1 9 8 16 27 12 domestic cup competitions confirmed. six-point lead
“We have only had a group we can work with in the
LA LIGA: Granada 0 Osasuna 2 (Garcia “We started slow, we looked leggy and didn’t have last two days because we didn’t have the bodies. BAYERN MUNICH romped to a
64, Kike 89), Real Madrid 2 (Modric 82- enough rhythm or intention to attack the way we 4-1 victory at Hertha Berlin
pen, Militao 90+2) Elche 2 (Boye 42, Milla wanted,” said Arteta. “We had to work hard when they had the ball and we yesterday to restore the Bavarian
76), Rayo Vallecano 0 Athletic Bilbao 1 did that, it is the mentality for me. giants’ six-point lead at the top
(Serrano 30), Real Sociedad 0 Getafe 0, “We started to play better, more rhythm and threat of the Bundesliga. Midfielder
Alaves 0 Barcelona 1 (F.De Jong 87). and came out in the second half completely different. “We have had players missing, players training and Corentin Tolisso grabbed his
two or three who were out there today who wouldn’t be second goal in as many games
TOP 5 P W D L F A PTS “We tried in every different way but lacked the in a normal set of circumstances.” before Bayern forward Thomas
Real Madrid 22 15 5 2 47 20 50 quality in the final third. At the end, when we have a Muller made it 2-0 by halftime at
Sevilla 22 13 7 2 34 16 46 really low block, you need spark and creativity to win Asked about Burnley’s plans for the next fortnight, Berlin’s Olympic Stadium. Bayern
Real Betis 22 12 4 6 41 25 40 football matches and today we didn’t do that. Dyche added: “We will find that balance, some need a doubled their tally with two
Atletico 21 10 6 5 36 26 36 break, some need training. goals in four devastating
Barcelona 21 9 8 4 32 23 35 “It is what they do, they want to play a slow game, it minutes as Leroy Sane pounced
“The main thing is to try and stay well and hopefully on a mistake by Hertha
over the next two weeks we start getting numbers back, goalkeeper Alexander
fit and sharp.” – The Independent Schwolow, then Serge Gnabry
fired in Bayern’s fourth 11
SERIE A: AC Milan 0 Juventus 0, minutes from time. Jurgen
Cagliari 1 (Joao Pedro 47) Fiorentina 1 Ekkelenkamp scored Hertha’s
(Sottil 75), Empoli 2 (Pinamonti 55, late consolation. “It was fun, we
Bajrami 72) Roma 4 (Abraham 24, 33, controlled the game for the
Oliveira 36, Zaniolo 37), Napoli 4 (Juna whole 90 minutes,” said Bayern’s
Jesus 17, Mertens 45+4-pen, Rrahmani 47, Joshua Kimmich.
Insigne 53-pen) Salernitana 1 (Bonazzoli
33), Spezia 1 (Verde 69) Sampdoria 0, Tunisia shock Nigeria
Torino 1 (Sanabria 16) Sassuolo 1
(Raspadori 88). VETERAN Youssef Msakni scored
to give previously unimpressive
TOP 5 P W D L F A PTS Burnley’s Ashley Tunisia a shock 1-0 triumph over
Inter Milan 22 16 5 1 53 17 53 Westwood (left) vies with 10-man Nigeria in Garoua
Napoli 23 15 4 4 43 16 49 Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard yesterday in an Africa Cup of
AC Milan 23 15 4 4 47 25 49 (right) during the English Nations last-16 match. The north
Atalanta 22 12 7 3 44 26 43 Premier League match at Africans now face Burkina Faso,
Juventus 23 12 6 5 34 21 42 the Emirates Stadium on who eliminated Gabon after a
Sunday. – AFPPIX penalty shootout, in the
BUNDESLIGA: RB Leipzig 2 VfL quarterfinals of the flagship
Wolfsburg 0, Hertha Berlin 1 Bayern African tournament on Saturday.
Munich 4. Msakni struck on 47 minutes
and Nigerian hopes of levelling
TOP 5 P W D L F A PTS De Jong gives Barca hope as Real falter were dealt a major blow midway
Bayern 20 16 1 3 65 19 49 through the second half when
Dortmund 20 14 1 5 52 31 43 BARCELONA needed a late winner from Frenkie de Benzema missed a penalty and then went off injured Alex Iwobi was red-carded. “My
Leverkusen 20 10 5 5 49 32 35 Jong to edge past Alaves in La Liga yesterday while at the Santiago Bernabeu. boys gave their all and I cannot
Union Berlin 20 9 7 4 29 25 34 Real Madrid gave hope to their title rivals by drawing fault them,” said caretaker
Freiburg 20 9 6 5 33 23 33 2-2 at home to Elche. It could have been worse for Madrid, who were Nigeria coach Augustine
two down with 11 minutes left yet managed to Eguavoen. “A slight mistake gave
FRENCH LIGUE 1: Metz 0 Nice 2, Angers De Jong’s 87th-minute winner at Mendizorrotza rescue a point thanks to a Luka Modric penalty and a Tunisia their only chance and
2 Troyes 1, Bordeaux 4 Strasbourg 3, was the high-point of an otherwise uninspiring 92nd-minute header from Eder Militao. they scored. I thought the red
Clermont 2 Rennes 1, Nantes 4 Lorient performance from Barca but it also secured a crucial card was a bit harsh. It was his
2, Montpellier 3 Monaco 2, Paris Saint- 1-0 victory in their bid to catch the top four. “The match was a bit all over the place,” said Real first offence and not an
Germain 4 Reims 0. coach Carlo Ancelotti. intentional foul. However, the
“When we lost to Real Madrid in the Super Cup referee is the boss on the pitch
TOP 5 P W D L F A PTS we left satisfied with the game but we didn’t win – “We dropped two points so we can’t be happy but and we must respect his
Paris SG 22 16 5 1 46 18 53 this time we’re not satisfied with the game but the in general we have a break now and we’re in a good decisions.”
Nice 22 13 4 5 36 18 42 three points are gold,” said Xavi Hernandez. position. We’re in the Copa del Rey, the Champions
Marseille 21 11 7 3 30 16 40 League and we have a good position in the league.”
Strasbourg 22 10 5 7 44 29 35 Barcelona move up to fifth, with Atletico Madrid
Rennes 22 10 4 8 41 21 34 still one point ahead in fourth. The two teams meet Benzema’s injury is perhaps the biggest concern.
next at the Nou Camp on Feb 6. The Frenchman was clutching his left hamstring as
AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS (Last 16): he walked down the tunnel in the second half and
Burkina Faso 1 Gabon 1 aet - Burkina “We’re in the fight and these results will come in Ancelotti said he would undergo tests on Monday.
Faso win 7-6 on pen, Tunisia 1 Nigeria very handy,” said Xavi.
0. Madrid will hope it is nothing serious, with their
Real Madrid, meanwhile, squandered an Champions League first leg against Paris Saint-
opportunity to move six clear of Sevilla as Karim Germain just over three weeks away. – AFP

Milan lose ground in Serie A after goalless draw against Juventus

AC MILAN were held to a goalless third after Napoli drew level with said Pioli to DAZN. Mertens’ club record-extending the England international’s brace the
draw by Juventus yesterday, losing them on 49 points. “If we don’t, the season will be 144th Napoli goal came after start of a first-half goal blitz which
ground in the Serie A title race and Federico Bonazzoli had levelled Juan moved Jose Mourinho’s team up to
allowing Napoli to move second With the Milan derby straight very similar to last year, when we Jesus’s 17th-minute opener. sixth, five points off the Champions
following their 4-1 thumping of after the international break which finished second in the end but could League places.
Salernitana. started yesterday, an already huge have missed out on the Champions Amir Rrahmani netted the third
match will take on extra significance League.” less than two minutes after the “I was brought here to help the
Two points behind local rivals when Serie A returns next month, restart from Mertens’ cross and team by scoring goals and getting
Inter Milan before last weekend, with Napoli at relegation-threatened Lorenzo Insigne joined Diego Insigne wrapped things up with his assists and recently me and the team
Milan now trail the champions by Venezia. Maradona on 115 Napoli goals when fifth league strike of the season. have been in good scoring form.
four after a largely drab affair at the he smashed home from the penalty Hopefully it can continue,” said
San Siro and have dropped down to “If we win the derby we can still spot in the 53rd minute against Tammy Abraham was again on Abraham. – AFP
be close to Inter right to the end,” Salernitana. target as Roma won 4-2 at Empoli,

TUESDAY • JANUARY 25, 2022 QUOTE OF THE DAY

Grim We started slow, we looked leggy and
didn’t have enough rhythm or intention to
attack the way we wanted. We started to play better,
more rhythm and threat and came out in the second
half completely different. We tried in every different
way but lacked the quality in the final third”

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta

outlook
Conte issues worrying Spurs verdict after another lacklustre defeat against Chelsea

ANTONIO CONTE has insisted was controversially ruled out, but “To be an important team, you need top-four finish this season. this position of the club to work and
that Tottenham are several Conte’s men were unable to lay a glove important players. At the moment we “This is not the right moment to improve the situation on the pitch.
years away from becoming a on their opponents after the interval are far away. It takes time, years,” the
top Premier League side after and have no room to complain about Spurs boss told BBC Radio 5 Live. speak, the club know very well what I “I am enjoying my time in
losing to Chelsea for the third time in the result. think,” the 52-year-old told Sky Sports. Tottenham, we have four months to
the space of as many weeks yesterday. His response suggests that he may work and get the best possible result. I
“In the first half the referee not be around to lead the club towards “There is not one transfer market to am proud of the effort, sometimes you
The Italian boss, who has gained a disallowed a goal and I was very clear the summit of the Premier League table close the gap. The last few years this gap can push 100% but it is not enough.”
reputation for failing to stay at clubs on with him, because I think that it’s best if his track record as a manager is taken became very big and now it is not
a long-term basis, watched his team sometimes to tell the referee in a polite into account. simple to find a solution in a short time. Conte also refused to shed any light
struggle to keep up with the Blues for way,” said Conte. on the potential situation involving
the vast majority of the match at Conte has failed to spend any longer “I am only focused to work until the Dele Alli, who was left out of the
Stamford Bridge. “To see this type of goal disallowed than three years at any of his previous end, we have four months to try and matchday squad for the short trip to
in England, it was incredible. Maybe in clubs and is only contracted to Spurs give everything, but if we think we solve Chelsea.
Two second-half goals from Hakim Italy, 50-50, but in England it was until the end of next season. with the transfer market the situation, it
Ziyech and Thiago Silva condemned incredible.” is not the reality. “I don’t want to comment on single
the visitors to yet another defeat at the He went on to issue a thinly-veiled cry players,” explained Conte when
hands of their cross-city rivals to cap off Conte issued a grim warning after for help in the transfer market “You need many years, but for sure quizzed on Alli’s immediate future.
a dominant performance from the the fulltime whistle by declaring that by insisting that new bodies we have to start. You have to sell or loan
hosts. his side are still a number of years away will be required in players and it is difficult and then you “There is the club to make the best
from performing on a par with the likes order to stand have to find the right players for you. decision. There is a sporting director
Meanwhile, Spurs will feel of Chelsea at the top of the Premier any chance and chairman and they take the last
aggrieved after Harry Kane’s early strike League table on a consistent basis. of a “You can only start this process but decision.” – Express Newspapers/The
you need many years. It won’t be easy, I Independent
spoke with the club and am totally in

Tottenham Hotspur’s
Harry Kane (centre) in
action with Chelsea’s
Romelu Lukaku
during the English
Premier League match
at Stamford Bridge
yesterday. –
REUTERSPIX

Vieira slams late Liverpool penalty decision against Palace

█ GEORGE SESSIONS poor decision from the referee took our hope “I didn’t see it but Jota thought it was a “The first 35 minutes was brilliant and some of
CRYSTAL PALACE manager Patrick Vieira was away,”Vieira said. penalty, I could see that on the pitch,” the the best stuff we have played all season.
critical of the “naive” decision to award Liverpool a Liverpool boss said.
late penalty in their 3-1 home defeat. “The reason is having those meetings with the “Exactly the way we want to play and if
referee and explaining to coaches that contact is “VAR thought it was a penalty and that is why somebody had an explanation for what happened
Odsonne Edouard’s 55th-minute tap-in had part of the game, so that if there is a situation like the referee went to the screen so I am not sure after 35 minutes, I would like it,” Klopp added.
given the Eagles hope of taking points off Jurgen that and there is not an obvious contact, there will what we are talking about now? Four eyes
Klopp’s side, who started brilliantly in south not be a penalty. watched it.” “I don’t understand but 100% a bit of a fatigue
London and scored twice in the first half through problem but we are not the first team to have
Virgil Van Dijk and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. “This one here and when you look at the Klopp was at a loss to explain why Liverpool that.
situation with Jota, who I believe was really quite lost their rhythm after dominating the opening 35
A grandstand finish had been set up at smart, but at the same the referee was naive or minutes. “Obviously after being 2-0 up and after a super
Selhurst Park after Palace pulled one back but an the VAR I should say was naive. intense week, we just decided to have a little
innocuous coming together between Diogo Jota It had been a taxing week for the Carabao Cup break on the pitch but that is not possible.
and Palace goalkeeper Vicente Guaita saw the “There is no way that Jota could get the ball finalists, who booked their place at Wembley with
Reds awarded a spotkick, which Fabinho back and score or that Vince tried to stop. There is a 2-0 win over Arsenal on Thursday and had seen “In these moments the chances Palace had
dispatched to put the game to bed a minute from no way Vince and Jota cannot have contact off Brentford by a 3-0 score last weekend. were all set up by us pretty much, we gave the
time. because of the situation they were in.” ball away in the wrong moment and these sorts of
A fourth win without Mohamed Salah and things, so that is what happened but why?
“I think we give ourselves the best chance to Opposition number Klopp was less Sadio Mane this month helped the Anfield club
get something from the game but obviously that forthcoming about the incident which occurred in close the gap at the top of the Premier League to “If we had played the 90 minutes how we
decision by the referee took our hope away, that the 85th minute with Jota played through on goal nine points after Manchester City, who have started it would have been a tough afternoon for
only to miss his kick and collide with Guaita in the played a game more, were held to a 1-1 draw by Crystal Palace and it could have been a draw or
aftermath of his failed attempt. Southampton on Saturday. whatever, so I am over the moon with this result, it
was so important for us.” – The Independent

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